Jam outlasts Sea Dawgs
February 19, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Jacksonville Slam News Release
In a battle of two of the ABA's top expansion teams for the 2006-07 season, the Jacksonville Jam (23-7) defeated the Wilmington Sea Dawgs (14-8), 97-82 on Sunday afternoon on the Jam's homecourt at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Fl.
It was a grind it out type of game with a playoff atmosphere as the two talented teams went at each other for 48 minutes of edge of your seat professional basketball action. The Jam came out quick and took control of the game early led by forward, Jerry Williams and point guard, Anthony Lumpkin. Both Williams and Lumpkin set the tone early with driving baskets for scores. Jacksonville held a slim lead at the end of the first quarter 23-20. In the second period of play the two teams just sparred exchanging both inside and outside baskets. Jam power forward, DeRon Rutledge led the Jam with 8 points in the quarter and showcased his famed jump hook along the way. The second quarter ended even (21-21) and the Jam led at the half 44-41.
In the third quarter the teams continued to grind it out by scoring against tough defense. Sea Dawgs guard, Kendrick Jones kept Wilmington close with several impressive drives for scores and Rutledge continued his inside dominance of the Sea Dawgs frontline. Wilmington won the quarter with a late spurt and cut the Jam lead to one, 64-63 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter totally belonged to Jacksonville as Williams, Lumpkin, and Jam newcomer, Ray Rose led the way, and Jacksonville outscored Wilmington 33-19 to clinch the victory and the Jam's 23rd win on the season thus far. "This was a good game for us because I think it truly gave us a look at what playoff basketball is going to be like. Wilmington has a very good, well coached, and experienced team. This was a good game for us in every way!" stated Jam head coach, Steve Tucker.
Rutledge led the Jam in scoring with 25 points on 8 of 12 shooting from the floor. Williams followed up with his second straight double/double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Jam point guards, Lumpkin and Rose chipped in 18 points and 14 points respectively. Johnny "Spydaman" Tyson dominated the paint for the Jam with an 11 rebound, 6 point, and 3 blocked shot game. Wilmington was led in scoring by Warren's 17 points. Terrence Todd chipped in 16 points and veteran center, Alvin Jefferson had 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Jacksonville and Wilmington get together again this Wednesday night in Wilmington, NC. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05pm
JAM NOTES:
The Jam have now won 5 straight games and 7 of their last 8 games.
Jacksonville is ranked #4 in the current ABA Power Ranking (which came out today). Vermont, Arkansas and Texas are just ahead of the Jam in the weekly ABA Power Ranking.
Johnny "Spydaman" Tyson is making his "web" presence felt averaging 4.5 blocked shots a game since coming to the Jam.
Jacksonville signed free-agent forward/guard, Antonio Lawrence to a contract for the rest of the season. Lawrence averaged 18.1 ppg and 7.2 rpg for the Orlando Aces most of this ABA season. Lawrence is a basketball legend in Jacksonville for his High School All-American play. Lawrence attended San Jose State University out of high school and declared for the NBA Draft after only one season of play on the collegiate level.
The Jam also recently signed former FCCJ Jr. College All-American Guard, Shawn Mitchell. The 6'2 point guard appeared in his first game this past Friday night in the Jam's game vs Palm Beach.
An opponent change has been updated to our Home schedule as the Knoxville Noise will come into town to play the JAM on February 23 to replace the Hollywood Fame which has cancelled their East Coast road trip.
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 February 19, 2007
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- Sea Dawgs fall to Jam - Wilmington Sea Dawgs
- Jam outlasts Sea Dawgs - Jacksonville Slam
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