Big Win on the Road Make It Six Straight for the Volcanoes
June 23, 2014 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Vancouver Volcanoes News Release
Vancouver, WA - The Volcanoes have been attempting to get a win at Whatcom Pavilion for seven years, and tonight it happened, in overtime.
With none other than 6'2" G Andre Murray leading the way, putting up 37 points and 10 assists, the Volcanoes make it six straight wins, but count this as a big one for the organization as they have never won in Bellingham against the back to back Champion Slam in seven years.
"It was a big win for us, but any win is big. We just want to use this win as momentum heading into the playoffs.I just try to provide for the team and do my part. I try to stay productive as much as possible whether it's passing or scoring as long as the outcome is positive and we are winning I'm okay. Every team has its ups and down but dealing with the adversity is always key. We came together and got the win," Murray said.
"This is a statement game for us; we went to Bellingham and got the win, first time ever in our organizations history. It means a lot to our guys, who went through the ups and downs of the game, overcame adversities of intense emotions, they re-focused, and came together as a team," General Manager and Assistant Coach Bryan Hunter shared. "We showed everyone it doesn't matter who the opponent is or where we play the game, we can win. We haven't lost in six games now, and I am confident no team can beat us, especially on our home court in the playoffs," Hunter boldly declared and it looks like his number one player, who is in the top spot in the league as well agrees.
"I feel we have to have that type of confidence. Anyone should, especially going into the playoffs every team has something to prove. We just have to do our part play collectively as a group and win," Murray stated.
Next up for the Volcanoes is another rival, the so called Battle of the Bridge, which is tied at 2-2, on Tuesday at Eastmoreland Courts with a 7pm tip off. "We will still be intense, but may take the opportunity to rest guys and let them heal for the playoffs," Hunter shared as the game versus the Chinooks does not affect playoff standings.
"Well we know we are matched up with the Chinooks in the playoffs so therefore we probably won't make major changes but little adjustments and be prepared once the playoffs start," number 23 shared about the next game with a look ahead to their first playoff match up June 28th at Clark College with a 5pm tip off.
The Volcanoes return to Clark College to host the IBL Playoffs June 28 and 29. Saturday tip -off is at 2pm featuring the Seattle Flight versus the Salem Sabres, followed by the home team versus the Portland Chinooks at 5pm. The last game Saturday will be the number one seed Bellingham Slam taking on the winner from game one. The IBL Championship will be played Sunday, June 29th at 5pm, where the Volcanoes look to be on the court making a run for the ring, standing as champions at the end of the game as they did in 2011. Weekend Passes are on sale for the IBL Playoff Tournament online with Admission at the door at Clark College Adults $15, Students under 18 and Seniors over 65 $7, Children Age 7 & under FREE!
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International Basketball League Stories from June 23, 2014
- Slam End Regular Season with 139-137 Overtime Loss to Vancouver - Bellingham Slam
- Big Win on the Road Make It Six Straight for the Volcanoes - Vancouver Volcanoes
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