Chinooks Take Down Conference Contender
June 16, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Portland Chinooks News Release
Portland, Oregon - Following their biggest win of the season, the Portland Chinooks faced another tough test on Friday night to keep their playoff positioning in check. In a low-scoring IBL match-up, Portland held to beat Salem, 106-96 at Eastmoreland.
Salem was slow getting to the game because of traffic from an accident on Interstate 5, delaying the tip-off by 20 minutes. The Sabres were lethargic from the tip as Portland raced out to a 15-5 lead early in the opening period. The Chinooks took a 30-17 advantage to the bench at the end of twelve minutes. Salem fought back to get within 8, outscoring Portland in the period by four. The home team was ahead though 58-49 at halftime.
Both teams would struggle to score in the second half, held to less than 50 points each. Portland took an 81-69 lead into the final period. Salem would make another run and get within six on two occasions before the Chinooks pushed it back to double digits and won by 10.
The win was crucial for Portland (9-5) to build a lead over Salem for 3rd place in the IBL's Continental Conference. It was the Chinooks sixth straight win and their ninth in the past eleven games. They now lead Salem by a game and a half.
David Lucas (6'8" F - Oregon State) was Portland's leading scorer., one of four Chinooks in double figures. Lucas scored 27, pulled down eight rebounds and had five assists. Germain Jordan (6'6" F - Dillard) was pure for another double-double, 24 points and 11 rebounds. IBL player of the week Jared Cunningham (6'9" F - Cleveland State) got his as well with 22 points and a season-high 11 assists. Kevin Ford followed up Tuesday's triple-double with a 13 point and 11 rebound effort.
Despite being outshot from three, Portland had the advantage from the field, shooting 50% for the game to their opponent's 35%. The Chinooks were out-rebounded on the offensive glass by nine, but won the overall task, 58-55.
Cory Largent led Salem with 24 points. Joe Burton added 17 points, 12 in the final quarter. He got the double-double with 11 rebounds. Three other Salem players hit double figures.
Portland and Salem meet two more times in the Rose City this regular season. The rematch is set for next Thursday, June 20th.
• Discuss this story on the International Basketball League message board...
International Basketball League Stories from June 16, 2013
- Stevenson Leads Slam Rout of Japan Tornadoes, 142-106 - Bellingham Slam
- Chinooks Take Down Conference Contender - Portland Chinooks
- Portland Shoots Down Japan - 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.
