Hoops Drop Wizards, Again
December 20, 2002 - Continental Basketball Association 2 (CBA 2)
Grand Rapids Hoops News Release
The Grand Rapids HOOPS extended their home winning streak to four games as they defeated the Dakota Wizards 111-108 at the DeltaPlex Arena. Jerald Honeycutt led the team to six of seven quarter points, scoring a game-high 34 points and grabbing nine rebounds.
Larry Ayuso continued his torrid shooting pace for the HOOPS, scoring 26 points, while Eric Murdock registered 21 points and dished out 13 assists. Grand Rapids committed a season-low seven turnovers on the night.
The Wizards made a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, taking a brief two-point lead with less than two minutes remaining. However, for the second consecutive game the HOOPS played strong down the stretch and took their second straight game over Dakota.
Dakota (11-5) got off to a quick start, scoring ten of the game's first twelve points, but Grand Rapids was able to shoot themselves back into the game, taking a 26-24 lead after one. Andy Panko scored eight points in the first quarter to lead the Wizards, while Honeycutt paced the HOOPS with seven of his own.
Grand Rapids (8-7) continued to battle through Dakota's hot shooting, grabbing a 50-47 lead at the half. Fourteen first half turnovers by the Wizards took away from the fact that the team shot 22-35 (.629) from the field. At the half, Honeycutt had scored 14 and Eric Murdock 13 for the HOOPS.
In the third quarter, Ayuso scored ten points en route to leading the HOOPS' to their third quarter victory on the night. After the third quarter, Grand Rapids led 83-78.
Panko, who was unable to play in Wednesday night's loss, led six Wizards in double-figures with 22 points and 18 assists. Courtney James also scored 16 points for Dakota.
Grand Rapids hosts the Gary Steelheads Saturday night at the DeltaPlex at 7:05 p.m.
Continental Basketball Association 2 Stories from December 20, 2002
- Hoops Drop Wizards, Again - Grand Rapids Hoops
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