Jersey Express Represent NJ well in Singapore
February 27, 2008 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Jersey Express News Release
The Jersey Express traveled to Singapore to take on the Beijing Aoshen Olympians in back to back games. Thou the Beijing team play's in Singapore, they are a member of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
Beijing has played all of there games at home, in Singapore this season. The Olympians, an "Official Member" of the ABA for three years, had played there home games out of California. Gaining a true home court advantage, Beijing has garnered an impressive 19-1 record.
After traveling for 24 hours, including a delay in Hong Kong on Thursday, the Express finally arrived in Singapore on Friday night. The games were played on Saturday and Sunday evenings, with Beijing winning both highly contested games.
"I think we surprised them, with our speed, grit and tenacity. We appeared to be undersized, but that's been our team all year long. We have extremely versatile players, and they rose to the challenge of the bigger, stronger Olympians. Coach Q and I had a game plan, and the players were up for the challenge", stated Co-owner Marsha Blount.
Saturday's game was a tough, hard fought contest, with Beijing jumping out to an early lead, and building on it during the 1stt half. At the start of the 3rd quarter, the Express jumped on Beijing early, and cut the deficit by more than half, by quarters end. Stunned by the aggressive play, and don't quit attitude of Jersey, the Olympians were forced to take an early time-out to stop the early 4th quarter run. By the time the run was over, the Express had taken the lead with more than 10 minutes left in the 4th quarter. The Olympians went on there own run, with both teams exchanging leads for several possessions. At that point the Express suddenly found themselves down by 10, and then the game came to an end, with Beijing winning 105-87.
On Sunday, the Express felt confident going into the game, having played so well the night before. Knowing they were in for an uphill battle, Head Coach Quaasim Austin decided to change his strategy, and Jersey came out clicking on all cylinders. Keeping the game close early on was important for the Express, having battled back from an early deficit the night before. By half-time, the Express were feeling the effects of the long flight, and a bit of jet-lag. Hanging tough and relying on each other to get over the hump, the Express made a last ditch effort to come from behind in the 4th quarter. The lead went from 25 to 16, to 8, then with time running out, they were forced to foul to stop the clock, and Beijing went 8 for 8 from the line to make up the final score and deficit of 106-92.
Beijing was led by Sun Yue, a 6'10" guard, known as the Chinese Magic Johnson, who averages a double-double in scoring and assists, and is a solid rebounder. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round, and will be a member of the Chinese National team competing in the Beijing Olympics. Jersey was led by Joey Britto, a 6'7" wingman, who averaged 18pts, 7rpg, 3 steals, and numerous deflections. Joey ignited the hometown crowd with several thunderous dunks.
Dr. Anne Coffey, of Gibbons Holistic Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, accompanied the Express to Singapore, and stated "due to the lengthy flight and trying to adjust to the Singapore time change, the players had to face some difficult issues that they wouldn't for a regular game. It was important to keep them well stretched & warmed-up throughout the games. The Olympians physically challenged our players, but having received chiropractic care prior to, and during games, we were able to keep them healthy and strong".
Jacqui Halyard, Co-owner and GM stated, "I am extremely proud of the players, and coaches for representing not only the ABA, but the State of NJ, and County of Morris, with pride and dignity. We hope to make this experience a regular one for the organization".
The Jersey Express will play its final regular season home game on Sunday, March 2nd, when they host the Manchester Millrats at Drew University, in Madison, NJ, tip-off is 4pm.
On February 29th, in theatres everywhere, Will Ferrell will star in an adaptation of the ABA in "Semi Pro", a New Line film.
For more information on Gibbons Holistic Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, log onto: www.gibbonsholistic.com, or call 973-887-0860. Tickets for the final regular season home game can be purchased at the box office on game day. For more information on the Jersey Express, log onto www.jerseyexpress.net.
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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- Jersey Express Represent NJ well in Singapore - Jersey Express
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.
