Chinooks Reel In Salem For 3rd Place
June 21, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Portland Chinooks News Release
Portland, Oregon - There was a lot on the line when Portland hosted Salem at Eastmoreland Courts on Thursday night. The Chinooks had a golden opportunity to secure at least a third place finish and the series win over the Sabres. Mission accomplished.
Salem had the edge early before Portland came back to mount a 27-19 advantage after the first quarter. The second frame was back and forth with Salem getting within seven points on two occasions before the host team pushed the lead to ten at the half, 53-43.
Jared Cunningham started the 3rd quarter on fire, hitting four of his five 3-pointers early on. It was an even battle with both teams scoring 34 points. The Chinooks headed to the final quarter with an 87-77 lead. They took their largest lead of sixteen before Salem responded with eleven unanswered to get within five late. The Chinooks held on for the 110-103 victory.
The win is Portland's ninth in a row, and twelfth of fourteen. The Chinooks (12-5) could move into second place depending on what happens this weekend. They trail Vancouver by one game, and are one and a half games behind first place Bellingham.
Cunningham's distance shooting propelled him to a team-high 22 points. Germain Jordan nearly had another triple-double with 21 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds. Kevin Ford grabbed a DD before halftime, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds. David Lucas added 18 to move within six points of third on the IBL's all-time scorers list. Greg Foster chipped in 12 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds.
It was another close battle on the boards with Portland holding the slight edge. The Chinooks settled for 47% from the field to Salem's 40%. Both teams missed half their free throws.
The Sabres were led by Joe Burton's season-high 25 points along with 11 rebounds. Daniel Deane was a monster inside all night with a double-double 22 points and 18 rebounds.
Portland now has a much deserved week off after playing four games in seven nights. They'll host Nippon next Thursday for the final time this season. The regular season finale is July 1st in a rematch with Salem. Eastmoreland hosts the IBL Playoffs July 3rd-5th.
• Discuss this story on the International Basketball League message board...
International Basketball League Stories from June 21, 2013
- Slam Solidifies First Place Position, Downs Vancouver 126-104 - Bellingham Slam
- Chinooks Reel In Salem For 3rd Place - Portland Chinooks
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.
