Jam win another close one
November 23, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Jacksonville Slam News Release
The Jacksonville Jam ABA Professional Basketball Team found themselves down big on the road at West Palm Beach, but found a way to come back and win against the Imperials of Palm Beach (1-2).
Down by as many as 16 points in the first half of play the Jam felt the pressure of the Palm Beach full-court press. Palm Beach forced the Jam into 21 first half turnovers and looked well on its way to a big win in their home opener. But Jacksonville battled back late in the second quarter of play to cut the Imperials lead to just 9 points at the half.
"We knew we had to make some adjustments and take better care of the ball, and at half-time, We did just that," stated Jam head coach, Steve Tucker.
In the third quarter the Jam got down by as many as 13 points early, but battled all the way back to lead by 2 going into the fourth quarter of play. Jerry Williams, Anthony Lumpkin, Tony Holley, Donald Harris, DeRon Rutledge, and new acquired guard, Trey Moore led the Jam comeback. The Jam led by as many as 5 points going into the final three minutes of play but back to back 3 pointers by Palm Beach put the Imperials back up by 1 point with 1:55 to play. A steal and big 3D Play by Jerry Williams put the Jam back up by 2 with 1:44 to go and then a steal and basket by Harris gave the Jam control of the game. The pesky Imperials still would not go away and once again cut the Jam lead to 2 points with 12 seconds to play, but Moore converted on free-throws down the stretch to give the Jacksonville Jam their fifth consecutive win to open up the ABA season.
The Jacksonville Jam (5-0) had seven players in double figures once again with a very balanced attack. Jerry Williams led all scorers with 22 points. Trey Moore had 18 and Anthony Lumpkin followed up with 17 points. TheAnthony Haymon once again put up a double/double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Jam. Rutledge, Harris, and Lorenzo Lawrence contributed 15, 14, and 12 points respectively.
The Jam will return home on this Friday night, November 24th to host the Palm Beach Imperials at UNF Arena. Tip-off is slated for 7:05pm. COME OUT AND BE A PART OF THE JAM!!! GO JAM......
JAM NOTES:
* The Jacksonville Jam are one of four undefeated teams left in the ABA at this time. The Jam (5-0) and defending ABA Champion, Rochester Razorsharks (4-0) pace the way.
* The Jam are leading the ABA Southeast Division -- Here are the Divisional Standings to this date:
> Jacksonville Jam - 5-0
> Palm Beach Imperials - 1-2
> Miami Tropics - 1-2
> Orlando Aces - 0-2
* The Jam are still playing without the services of point guard, Derrick Williams. Williams has missed the last three Jam games with a badly strained knee. Williams is now day to day and is expected back soon.
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 November 23, 2006
- Former Sound player killed in auto accident in Finland - Strong Island Sound
- Jam win another close one - Jacksonville Slam
- Slam cruise to second win over Beijing, 127-107 - Bellingham Slam
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