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Altitude defeat Patriots in overtime

February 19, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Asheville Altitude News Release


Asheville, N.C., February 18, 2005 - Altitude leading scorer Ron Slay put the game on his shoulders as he knocked down a 3-pointer to send the game into overtime then sank two consecutive free-throws with 3.9 seconds left in the game to defeat the Fayetteville Patriots, 114-112 in overtime play, Friday night at the Asheville Civic Center.

"I am very pleased with this win," said Altitude head coach Joey Meyer. "This was a great effort from the entire team; we never let up and increased our intensity level down the stretch."

A well-balanced attack from both squads, each team shot impressively from the field during the first quarter connecting for at least 60 percent from the field. Leading their teams in scoring on a nightly basis, Asheville's Slay and the Patriots David Young, continued to shoulder the load posting 10 points by the quarter's end.

Fayetteville managed a late first quarter run but Asheville's reserves entering the game with four minutes remaining in the quarter, seized the lead following a 16-3 rally and grabbed hold of a four point advantage.

Asheville persisted their assault as the second quarter started, boosting their lead to 12 as they continued on their first quarter rally by out-performing the Patriots 16-6. But Fayetteville's Tang Hamilton and Mike King, sparking a late quarter charge, combined for 17 points in the second quarter to close the lead to two as the first half concluded.

Consecutive fast-break baskets from both teams repeated as the third quarter began. But the streak quickly ended for Asheville, who shot a dismal 39.1 percent from the field, registering only nine baskets in the quarter. Fayetteville benefited from Asheville's early miscues as they took a seven point lead with 5:32 left in the quarter. But once again it was the strength of the Altitude bench that reclaimed the one-point lead with less than seven seconds on the clock. Joseph Forte, who scored eight points in the quarter, recorded a career 18 points as the quarter came to an end.

A non-stop scoring fest continued from both teams in the fourth quarter. Maintaining a tight one-point lead with one-minute to play Fayetteville's Ernest Brown muscled into the paint for an additional two points to extend their lead to three. Asheville returned to the court following a quick time-out with 2.1 seconds left on the clock. Top perimeter shooter Kirk Penney, who missed his only 3-pointer of the night, set up for the three but was unable to get a good look. He quickly passed the ball to Slay, shooting 50 percent from behind the arc for the night, who drained the 26ft jumper sending the game into overtime play.

Asheville, undefeated in overtime play this season, scored the first six points in the extended time period. Fayetteville attempted to counter but could not overcome back-to-back departures by Brown and Ousmane Cisse who fouled out of the contest at the start of overtime. Tied at 112, Slay snatched down a loose ball rebound following a missed basket by Young and went to the free-throw line with 3.9 seconds. Slay, shooting 2-of-4 at the charity stripe before the final shots, sank both free-throws giving the two-point margin. Fayetteville's desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer bounced off the back of the rim, sealing the victory for Asheville.

"I am proud of our guys," said Slay. "We stayed positive, played together and got the win".

Asheville extending their win streak to three games and increased their overall record to 18-12. Including Slay and Forte, six players scored in double figures. Lenny Stokes recorded 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in his role at the point guard position. Tim Bowers fell one rebound shy of a double-double outing of 14 points and nine rebounds. Kirk Penney and newcomer Terrance Shannon chipped in with 11 points a piece. Shannon also posted eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one-blocked shot during his Altitude debut.

Fayetteville's Brown and Young led all scorers with 23 points. Brown also posted a double-double performance grabbing down a game-high twelve rebounds. Tang Hamilton added with 19 points and Cisse registered 11. George Williams scored 18 points and five rebounds off the bench.

The Altitude will host the Florida Flame tomorrow at the Asheville Civic Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. Fayetteville travel's to Roanoke, Va., to face the Dazzle at the Roanoke Civic Center beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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