Hoops Suffer Sunday Afternoon Loss
December 15, 2002 - Continental Basketball Association 2 (CBA 2)
Grand Rapids Hoops News Release
The Grand Rapids HOOPS let one slip away as they fell to the division-leading Rockford Lightning 131-130 at the Rockford MetroCentre. Grand Rapids (6-7) held a four-point lead with under a minute remaining, but a late turnover and baskets by the Lightning's David Harrison and Ronnie Fields resulted in yet another close loss. The Lighting took five of seven quarter points.
Larry Ayuso once again led the team with 38 points (14-28 FG), his third straight 30-point game, and Jerald Honeycutt registered his second straight 20-20 game, posting 29 points (11-25 FG) and corralling 20 boards. Alex Scales scored 32 points and Tim Kisner dished out a season-high 13 assists as they filled in the HOOPS' starting squad.
The HOOPS were only able to suit up seven players for the matinee as Kei Madison, Eric Murdock, and Reggie Butler all sat out due to injury. Overall, the HOOPS have now suffered five of their seven losses this season by five points or less.
The HOOPS and Lightning quickly showed that they would not be slowed by the 1:00 starting time and playing in their second game in 24 hours, as they combined for 72 points in the first quarter. Despite Scales' 13 points and Kisner's seven assists, Grand Rapids trailed 37-35 after the opening frame.
Rockford (10-3) came alive in the second quarter, taking a 34-28 quarter advantage and a 71-63 lead into the locker room. Albert White scored 18 of his team-high 32 points in the first half, while also helping Rockford to hold Grand Rapids to 3-13 shooting from long range. Scales continued to lead the way, adding 11 in the quarter, while Immanuel McElroy came off the bench to grab six tough rebounds.
Both teams heated up from outside after halftime, as Grand Rapids stormed back to take the lead 87-81 midway through the quarter. Ayuso knocked down three three-pointers in scoring 14 points in the quarter, leading the HOOPS to a 40-32 quarter victory. After three quarters, the game was tied 103-103.
It appeared the HOOPS had the victory in hand after Honeycutt sank a three-pointer and Ayuso hit two bonus free-throws to give them a 130-126 lead.
David Harrison contributed 24 points (9-18 FG) for Rockford, as Ronnie Fields also helped out with 21 points and eight rebounds. Livan Pyfrom also was an inside force, grabbing 20 rebounds on the night.
Grand Rapids now returns home to face the Dakota Wizards on Wednesday night at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Continental Basketball Association 2 Stories from December 15, 2002
- Hoops Suffer Sunday Afternoon Loss - Grand Rapids Hoops
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