Hoops Use Easy Victory to Re-Energize Playoff Hopes
March 5, 2003 - Continental Basketball Association 2 (CBA 2)
Grand Rapids Hoops News Release
The Grand Rapids HOOPS easily defeated a road weary Yakima Sun Kings squad 116-91 on Wednesday night at the DeltaPlex Arena. Grand Rapids earned all seven quarter points to place them three points ahead of the Gary Steelheads for the final American Conference playoff berth.
The HOOPS, who had not played since Saturday night, were able to outlast and outplay the Sun Kings, who were playing their fifth game in six days. For evidence of the Sun Kings' tired legs, one must look no further than the team's shooting percentage. Grand Rapids shot 50 percent from the field, while Yakima struggled to connect on 38.4 percent of their shots.
Grand Rapids (22-24) was led to the victory by Alex Scales, who scored 23 points (9-18 FG). Kevin Simmons, Immanuel McElroy, and Jerald Honeycutt also contributed 17 points each for the HOOPS. In the frontcourt, Simmons hauled in a game-high 15 points, while Olden Polynice (6-9 FG) chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Yakima (28-17) was never really able to make a game of it after they arrived in Grand Rapids after 7:00 p.m. due to several weather related travel delays. Michigan State-alum and Benton Harbor native Anthony Miller led the Sun Kings with 28 points (13-23 FG) and 13 rebounds, while Mitchell Butler added 18 points (7-17 FG) of his own.
The quarter point shutout was the third of the season for Grand Rapids.
The HOOPS will now travel for a Friday night showdown with the Steelheads that will have a tremendous impact on the playoff hopes of both teams. Each team has just two games remaining in the regular season.
Continental Basketball Association 2 Stories from March 5, 2003
- Hoops Use Easy Victory to Re-Energize Playoff Hopes - Grand Rapids Hoops
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
