Jam suffers first defeat of season

December 2, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Jacksonville Slam News Release


The Jacksonville Jam (6-1) suffered their first loss of the season 114-90 at the hands of the Miami Tropics (3-2) on Friday night on their homecourt at UNF Arena.

The lead changed hands four times in the first quarter, but Miami spurted ahead late in the opening quarter to lead 29-25. In the second quarter Miami took control and extended their lead to double figures and went into the locker-room at halftime with a 59-40 lead.

Jacksonville came out in the second half and made a run at the Tropics to cut the lead to 13 halfway through the 3rd quarter. That was a close as Jacksonville would come as Miami controlled the night with spirited play.

"You have to give Miami credit, for they outplayed us tonight, stated Jam head coach, Steve Tucker. There is nothing more that can be said about the game tonight. They made plays and hit shots, and that is the bottom line here. It's a long season and they won a ball game against us tonight. That is the fact of the matter, and nothing more should be read into that other than that! It is a marathon and not a sprint, and there is a lot of basketball left to be played. I think the battle lines have been drawn now!"

Miami was led in scoring by Carlos Escalera with 22 points. Karol Rosario and Terence Shelman followed up with 18 and 16 points respectively. Sylbrin Robinson also chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jacksonville was led in scoring by Trey Moore, who put in 20 points for the Jam. Donald Harris also scored 17 points off the bench for Jacksonville.

The two teams will meet again on Monday night in Miami at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Tip off is scheduled for 7:05pm.

JAM NOTES:

* The Jacksonville Jam lead the Southeast Division of the ABA :

> Jacksonville - 6-1

> Miami - 3-2

> W. Palm Beach 2-3

> Orlando - 0-3

* DeRon Rutledge did not play Friday night against Miami, as he rolled his ankle in warm-ups before the game by stepping on a teammate's foot. Rutledge is averaging 16.5 ppg and 11.0 rpg for the Jam. Rutledge is day to day and will be a game time decision Monday night in Miami against the Tropics.

Join us for our next Home Game on Friday December 8 at 7PM at the UNF Arena as we host the Atlanta Vision!

Tickets are available online or call 1-800-514-ETIX

Come Join us to be a part of the JAM!

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.



American Basketball Association Stories from December 2, 2006


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