Gary Ties up Race Heading into Finale
March 7, 2003 - Continental Basketball Association 2 (CBA 2)
Grand Rapids Hoops News Release
It all comes down to Saturday night.
The Grand Rapids HOOPS dropped a 111-102 thriller to the Gary Steelheads at the Genesis Convention Center on Friday night. In the defeat, the HOOPS were able to earn two of seven quarter points. Currently, the two teams are tied for the final playoff berth in the American Conference heading into the regular season finale on Saturday night.
Grand Rapids (22-25) staged a huge second and third quarter comeback, but they were not able to overcome a large first quarter deficit as Jemeil Rich connected on two late field goals to seal the win for Gary. The HOOPS had cut the Steelheads advantage to two at 100-98 with just minutes to go, but Gary was able to score 11 of the games final 14 points to secure the victory.
The HOOPS were led by Jerald Honeycutt, who scored 15 of his 22 points (9-17 FG) to lead the third quarter comeback. Kareem Reid added a season-high 18 points (7-15 FG) and seven assists, while Kevin Simmons chipped in 18 points (4-10 FG) and eight rebounds. Grand Rapids also received solid efforts from Alex Scales, who scored 14 points (5-14 FG) and Immanuel McElroy, who added 13 points (6-12 FG) and 12 rebounds.
Grand Rapids got off to a sluggish start to the game, connecting on just two of their first 15 field goal attempts as they fell behind 21-5 midway through the first quarter. Gary, on the other hand, was red-hot, making 18 of 29 (.621) from the field in building a 39-20 lead after one. HOOPS starters made just 3-18 field goal attempts in the first quarter, as the team went 6-25 FG (.240).
In the second quarter, Grand Rapids was able to chip away at a lead that swelled to as large as 23 points, taking the quarter 31-27. Gary found itself in frequent foul trouble throughout the first half, piling up 19 team fouls by halftime. As a result, Grand Rapids was in the bonus much of the first two quarters and compiled 22 free throw attempts, compared to just nine for Gary.
Galen Young led Gary to a 66-51 first half advantage with 14 points and seven rebounds. Simmons led the way for the HOOPS with 11 points, including 7-11 from the free throw line. Grand Rapids made a dismal 35 percent (17-49) field goals in the first half.
Grand Rapids secured the third quarter in large part due to a 17-4 run to complete the frame. The HOOPS shooting finally heated up as they connected on 12-19 field goals, while holding Gary to 11-27 FG shooting.
Young led the Steelheads with 21 points (9-19 FG) and 13 rebounds, and Junior Burroughs registered 20 points (10-18 FG) and nine rebounds. The clutch-shooting Rich scored 16 points (5-11 FG) and dished out 15 assists, while Bryant Notree also added 18 points (8-14 FG) and ten rebounds.
Grand Rapids will complete the CBA regular season Saturday night against former Spartan Marcus Taylor and the Sioux Falls Skyforce at the Delta Plex Arena. Tip off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST.
Gary hosts Dakota Saturday night as well. Between Grand Rapids and Gary, the team that earns the most quarter points will qualify for the final playoff berth in the 2003 CBA Playoffs. Grand Rapids holds the tie-breaker with the Steelheads.
• Discuss this story on the Continental Basketball Association 2 message board...
Continental Basketball Association 2 Stories from March 7, 2003
- Gary Ties up Race Heading into Finale - Grand Rapids Hoops
- Lightning Score Largest Margin of Victory Ever - Rockford Lightning
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.
