Hoops Can't Weather the Storm
December 28, 2002 - Continental Basketball Association 2 (CBA 2)
Grand Rapids Hoops News Release
The Grand Rapids HOOPS dropped their third straight game, as the Great Lakes Storm took 5.5 of seven quarter points en route to a 112-105 victory at the DeltaPlex Arena.
A three-point basket by Larry Ayuso cut the Storm's lead to 100-98 with 4:30 left in the game, but Corey Hightower prevented the HOOPS from breaking into the win column in their final game of 2002. Hightower led the Storm with 37 points and nine assists, including 13-18 from the free-throw line.
The HOOPS once again struggled early, falling behind 31-22 after one quarter as Hightower dropped in 11 points. Grand Rapids was able to make a run at the end of the half to cut the deficit to one, 53-52, at halftime. Overall, the HOOPS shot a scorching 11-15 from the field in the second quarter.
The third quarter belonged to Hightower once again, as he poured in 14 points, leading the Storm to a 28-22 quarter victory and a 81-74 lead. Great Lakes rode a 22-34 FG shooting effort in the second half to the final victory.
Ayuso once again led the HOOPS with 22 points (8-12 FG, 5-7 3FG), while five other players scored in double figures. Tim Kisner made his second start of the season in place of Eric Murdock, who did not play. He scored a season-high 14 points (5-9 FG, 3-4 3FG) and dished out 11 assists.
Antonio Smith scored 20 points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, and Willie Simms registered 17 points of his own. Both players were with the HOOPS last season.
Grand Rapids will now face the Gary Steelheads on Monday night at the Genesis Convention Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EST.
Continental Basketball Association 2 Stories from December 28, 2002
- Hoops Can't Weather the Storm - Grand Rapids Hoops
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