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Frenzy drop opener

November 21, 2004 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Cape Cod Frenzy News Release


Harlem, NY – The Boston Frenzy could not overcome poor shooting and turnovers in its inaugural game Friday night, losing at Harlem 94-87. "We had our chances," said a pacing Joe "Jellybean" Bryant after the opening night loss. "The mark of a good or even great team is finding a way to win even when you're not playing well. I'm not really upset, but we need to find a way to win those types of games."

Even though the Frenzy cut an early Harlem advantage down to just three points in the third quarter, Boston could not string together the quality possessions it would take to come back.

The Frenzy was plagued by turnovers against a quick and aggressive Harlem team. Boston turned it over 25 times and shot just 39-percent from the floor, but even with those poor numbers the Frenzy still had a chance to win it on the free throw line.

Boston hit just 11 of 24 free throws (46%), more than enough misses to make up the difference. "It's tough to lose by seven when you miss that many free throws," said Bryant. "But we're going to have some games like this, and we're going to have some games where guys hit everything. We had some guys go up there and miss three in a row tonight."

The Frenzy's offensive attack was led by former South Carolina State star and son of NBA legend Moses Malone. Moses Malone Jr. hit on 7 of 12 from the field (2 of 6 from three) scoring 18 points. Former UMass captain Shannon Crooks dropped in 16 points with five offensive rebounds while Northeastern alumnus Q Randall had an 8 point, 14 rebound night.

Boston doesn't have long to lick its wounds. The Frenzy is back on the court tomorrow night at Philadelphia at 7 p.m. "They all felt the pain tonight, but the truest test will be how they react tomorrow," said Bryant. "In a situation like this you want to play again right away. I wish we had a double header."

Extra quotes:

"There were a couple of situations where they overpassed. Pass to a person where it's not their best shot. When they get to know each other, who to pass it to and where to pass it to them, we'll be a lot smoother on offense." – Joe Bryant

"I think Q played very well. Shannon played well. They're warriors. They didn't play a perfect game, but that eye of the tiger was there." – Joe Bryant

"Big Neil. He's too nice. I told him, ‘If you get the ball five or six feet from the hoop and pass it out, I might have to jump down your neck.'" – Joe Bryant

"You look forward to playing. I'm waiting to see who's looking forward to play." - JB

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.



American Basketball Association Stories from November 21, 2004


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.

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