Hoops Fall in Exciting Championship Game
March 25, 2003 - Continental Basketball Association 2 (CBA 2)
Grand Rapids Hoops News Release
The Grand Rapids HOOPS fell just minutes short of securing the first CBA championship in franchise history as they were defeated by the Yakima Sun Kings 117-107 on Monday night in front of 4,815 at the Yakima Valley Sun Dome.
The two teams combined for an intense and exciting match-up that came down to the final minutes before the outcome was decided. The Hoops were able to cut a sizeable Yakima advantage to one point with just minutes remaining, but the Sun Kings were flawless from the free throw line down the stretch to put the game out of reach. Overall, Yakima connected on 15-16 free throw attempts in the second half.
Grand Rapids held a 57-56 halftime lead, but they were unable to contain Yakima's arsenal of outside shooters throughout the second half as the Sun Kings built a ten-point advantage in the third frame.
Alex Scales, who scored a game-high 34 points on 12-18 field goal shooting, led the Hoops in defeat. Four other players scored in double-figures for Grand Rapids, including Olden Polynice and Kareem Reid, who scored 14 points each.
2003 CBA Playoff MVP Darrick Martin was the key to Yakima's victory as he recorded 33 points and six assists. For the game, Martin connected on 10-16 field goal attempts, while also hitting all 12 of his free throw shots. Mitchell Butler also registered 24 points and 13 rebounds for Yakima, while Anthony Goldwire and Damien Cantrell each added 16 points.
The loss ends Grand Rapids' improbable run to the CBA Finals despite holding a 23-25 regular season record. The 2002-03 season was one of Grand Rapids' most exciting seasons to date as they were able to claw their way through into and through CBA postseason despite losing a good number of players to injury and departures throughout the year.
The Hoops organization will hold a Post-Season Celebration following their return from Yakima on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Z's Bar and Restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids. The party is open to the public and local media. For details, please contact the Hoops' offices at 616-559-7936.
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Continental Basketball Association 2 Stories from March 25, 2003
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- Hoops Fall in Exciting Championship Game - Grand Rapids Hoops
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