Into the Books as No. 1
March 12, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Vermont Frost Heaves News Release
To win 30 games during an ABA season requires the occasional intervention of the fates. We've had our share of help since November: Coming back from seven down in the final 24 seconds of regulation to beat Rochester in overtime in Burlington on Dec. 14 . . . making up a 10-point deficit in the final five minutes to defeat Cape Cod in front of our first sellout crowd, in Barre on Dec. 30 . . . catching Buffalo at the wire thanks to the dervishing sallies of Melvin Creddle on Jan. 10 . . . all were certified cardiac cases. But Sunday afternoon, weary after an 86-72 slog past the Montreal Royal the previous night, and sleep-deprived after the clocks sprang forward early the next morning, we needed a huge helping of help when we took the floor at Laval University for our finale against the Quebec City Kebekwa.
We knew the stakes. Lose, and we'd forfeit the No. 1 spot in the ABA power rankings. Win, and we'd ensure that every playoff game we play would take place in Vermont.
We won-though I'm still taking inventory how. Only once over 50-plus minutes did we hold a lead, and then only briefly, 29-28. Down 14 points with 3:35 to play in regulation, watching Jermaine Watson, Cordell Jeanty, Paul Larmand and Joshua King of "les Kebs" sink virtually everything they threw up, the Frost Heaves seemed to be toast.
Then we began to stir. Tyrone Barley bottomed out a couple of three-pointers. Aaron Cook added one of his own. Barley connected yet again. Despite that flurry, we seemed to take a step back for every two steps forward, and with 12 seconds to play Quebec still led 97-94, as Jeanty toed the line for a free throw.
He missed. Antonio Burks grabbed the rebound. He pitched an outlet to Tyrone Levett, who found Cook up the left sideline. With one crisp pump fake, Aaron sent Quebec City's Manix Auriantal sailing past him. AC set his feet. Then he rose, doing his usual impersonation of a hood ornament, to sink the trey that forced overtime.
Quebec scored first during the three-minute extra period. But Levett wrestled free for a layup, then Barley did the same, as we claimed a 101-99 lead that would somehow, improbably, hold up. We wound up our inaugural season-O.K. Mel, if you insist, our FIRST season-with a 30-6 record, the best in the league.
More than 40 fans had made the schlep northward for the weekend from Vermont, many with cowbells in tow. They joined our players in an ecstatic scrum on the floor. And like us, they fairly sailed back over the border.
Those of you who missed it, rest assured: From here on, all excitement will take place domestically.
About the playoffs, here's what you need to know:
- Our first playoff game will take place at the Aud in Barre on Sunday at 4:05 p.m., and NOT Friday night as previously announced. We'll play the winner of the Strong Island vs. Quebec City game, which the Kebekwa will host on Saturday night.
- Season-ticket holders may purchase for that first playoff game the same seats they held for the regular season, but they must do so by the end of business tomorrow, Tuesday, by calling the Flynn Regional Box Office at 802-86-FLYNN, or appearing in person at the ticket window in the lobby of the Flynn Theatre at 153 Main Street in Burlington, After that, we'll release unclaimed season's seats to the general public.
- Tickets to Sunday's game will be available to the general public beginning on Wednesday, again through the Flynn-phone orders and Burlington in-person sales only. For the playoffs there will be no sales through the Barre Opera House or First in Fitness in Montpelier.
- No tickets will be mailed out. Fans may pick up their tickets at will call on game day, when doors open at 2 p.m. Or they may purchase and/or pick up tickets on Thursday in Barre during the Frost Heaves' Fan Fest, which will be held on the lower level of the Aud.
- The Fan Fest will feature more than just a chance to get playoff tickets. We'll also have sign-up sheets for our Have-a-Ball Kids Camps, team gear for sale, refreshments and, between 3 and 5 p.m., a visit from Bump the Moose.
For more information about the Frost Heaves and to purchase team gear, go to www.vermontfrostheaves.com.
By Alexander Wolff
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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American Basketball Association Stories from March 12, 2007
- Into the Books as No. 1 - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Frost Heaves to open playoffs Sunday, not Friday - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Wildcats First Playoff game this Wednesday - San Diego Wildcats
- Quad City to host Sauk Valley in Round One of the ABA Playoffs - Quad City Riverhawks
- Slam earn first round bye in ABA Playoffs - Bellingham Slam
- Two four-point shots in five seconds conclude wild weekend - Cape Cod Frenzy
- Sea Dawgs Home Playoff Game Set - Wilmington Sea Dawgs
- Royal fall to Frost Heaves in season finale - Montreal Royal
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