Chicago Blaze look to rebound versus Houston Stealth
February 6, 2004 - National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Chicago Blaze News Release
Naperville, IL - The Chicago Blaze will travel home today as they prepare to take on the two-time defending champion Houston Stealth Sunday afternoon at 3 PM at North Central College's Merner Field House. The Blaze will welcome Jamie Redd back into the fold after missing their loss to Dallas to attend a funeral. The Stealth will be traveling without superstars Tina Thompson and Cynthia Cooper who will miss the game due to prior commitments.
The Stealth have been a thorn in the side of the Blaze the past two season and the Blaze will look to get over that hump this year. "What can I say about the Stealth," said Blaze General Manager Robert Graham. "They have a great organization and they step up in the big games. Sunday will be a great challenge for us."
The Stealth won their first Pro Cup Championship two years ago when they defeated the Blaze in the championship game. Last season the Blaze missed three free throws in the final 11 seconds of the semi-final game and lost to the Stealth by four points. The Stealth went on to win the Pro Cup Championship for the second consecutive season.
The unequivocal leader of the Stealth is Tamicha "Action" Jackson (WNBA Phoenix Mercury) who is in her third season with the Stealth. She is joined by Stealth veterans Octavia Blue (WNBA Houston Comets) and Kelley Gibson (WNBA Houston Comets).
The Blaze suffered a 92-69 loss last night in Dallas. The Blaze were led by guard Kim Williams (20 points), Tasha Pointer (18 points), and Santia Jackson (13 points and 10 rebounds). The Stealth were led by superstar Sheryl Swoopes who finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
The Chicago Blaze is entering its third season in the NWBL. The Blaze will play a 22-game schedule through March 23 and will play its home games at Merner Fieldhouse located at North Central College in Naperville, IL.
The National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) showcases professional women basketball players from across the nation, including players from the WNBA who choose to stay in the U.S. to play during the off-season. The season is played from January through April and the teams include the Birmingham Power, CHICAGO BLAZE, Colorado Chill, Dallas Fury, Houston Stealth, and Springfield Spirit. For more information on the NWBL and the Chicago Blaze, visit www.nwbl.com/blaze.
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National Women's Basketball League Stories from February 6, 2004
- Chill set for huge weekend - Colorado Chill
- Chicago Blaze look to rebound versus Houston Stealth - Chicago Blaze
- Spirit Add Inside Force - Springfield Spirit
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