Amaya's 40 point night helps Slam back into win column
June 16, 2008 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
PORTLAND - Tyler Amaya and the Slam avenged their loss to Vancouver Saturday by defeating the Portland Chinooks, 148-137, in a spirited International Basketball League game at Warner Pacific College on Sunday. Amaya notched a career-high 40 points in the victory.
Unlike the night before, the Slam were hot early and raced out to an 18-point lead in the middle stages of the first quarter, and eventually went into halftime with a 72-66 advantage. Brandon Hartley was key for the Slam in the first half, scoring 21 points on 8-for-8 shooting, including five three-pointers. Hartley finished with 30 points.
The Slam did let Portland back into the game, as they tied the game in the dying seconds of the third quarter. But the Slam responded quickly with a monster tip-dunk by Ryan Diggs that set the tone for a fourth quarter dominated by Bellingham. Portland tried to get the advantage in the quarter, but seven three-point shots in the period by the Slam held back the Chinook's comeback.
The Slam were a potent threat from long range all night, tying a franchise-record with 27 shots from beyond the arc on 53 attempts - good for a 51 percent average.
Amaya's 40 points, which included eight three-pointers, were good for game-high scoring honors. Paul Hafford finished with 27 points while Diggs earned a double-double with 26 points and 14 assists. All-Star guard Jacob Stevenson sat out the game with an ankle injury sustained Saturday night in Vancouver.
Portland was led by Kenny Tate, who scored 35 points and garnered 11 assists.
The Slam return home to play in their final regular season home game on Saturday against the Tacoma Jazz. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
International Basketball League Stories from June 16, 2008
- Explosion will be accepting donations for the Sky Valley Food Bank of Monroe on Saturday, June 21 - Snohomish County Explosion
- Amaya's 40 point night helps Slam back into win column - Bellingham Slam
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
