HeatWave's pressure jars jam

February 8, 2004 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Sacramento Heatwave News Release


After coming off a big win on Thursday February 6, 2004 against second place Kansas City, and winning 3 of their last 4 games. The HeatWave took their show on the road to play first place Long Beach Jam. With an 18-4 record and in sole possession of first place, Long Beach hosted a very hot Fresno HeatWave team. Finally, the HeatWave after almost 20 player changes in the first two months of the season has finally found a group of players that has chemistry, who plays together, and competes to win.

Playing in the Pyramid on the campus of Long Beach State, the HeatWave went into the game very confident. Almost one month earlier on January 16, 2004 the HeatWave visited the Jam, where the HeatWave lost an early 15 point lead in Dennis Rodman's debut for the Long Beach Jam. In today's game the HeatWave once again had a comfortable third quarter 89-69 lead. The HeatWave lit the nets up from behind the arc, with three players hitting on 14-22 from 3 point range. "Smoking" Joe Smith who scored the go ahead basket to win the game with 10 seconds left finished with 20 points, shooting 6-9 from 3 point range said, "The HeatWave is a new team, we played together to win." Smith said, "If the HeatWave get an early lead in this game the result were going to be different from the last game." Marcus Hill from Tulsa was big for the HeatWave. Coming of the bench after suffering an ankle sprang that sideline him for almost two weeks, Hill lead all players in scoring with 34 points, shooting an amazing 13-16 from the field and 5-7 from the 3 point line. Once again, the HeatWave's floor captain Lou White was magnificent. Getting his first triple-double for the HeatWave White had 27 points, 10 assist, and 10 rebounds. "We are playing good together," is what White said. "I came here to win a championship." Ron Selleaze chipped in 9 point and 10 rebounds. The HeatWave won the game 113-111. Dennis Rodman did not play, but is scheduled to return to action after the NBA All-Star break.

White and the HeatWave return to Selland Arena on February 10, 11 against Juarez. Game time for both games is 7:00 p.m.

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 February 8, 2004


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