Joe Shipp leads Huntsville to fourth straight win

Published on December 3, 2004 under NBA G League (G League)
Asheville Altitude News Release


ASHEVILLE, N.C., December 3, 2004 – The Asheville Altitude didn't have an answer for Huntsville forward Joe Shipp as the former University of California standout paced the Flight with 26 points as Huntsville knocked off Asheville 100-86 at the Civic Center.

Shipp, who shot 12-of-19 from the field, got plenty of help from teammates Mengke Bateer and Bernard King who both chipped in with 18 points each. Bateer, who's 18 points Friday was a new season-high, wasted very little time dominating the Altitude post players as he finished the game going 8-of-10 from the field.

Reigning National Basketball Development League Player of the Month for November, Asheville forward Antonio Meeking led the Altitude (2-3) with 26 points. Ron Slay came off the bench to add 24 points while Tim Bowers chipped in with 11.

With the win, Huntsville improves its winning streak to four straight games.

"Joe (Shipp) and Bateer played well for us tonight, but I thought it was a complete team win," said Flight head coach Ralph Lewis. "I think our guys really remembered how bad Asheville embarrassed us last time we were here, and I think our guys didn't want to leave with that same feeling.

"We've won a few games and we're starting to play much better basketball," Lewis added.

Shipp set the tone early scoring 10 of his 26 points in the first quarter as the Flight opened up a 29-24 first quarter lead. As a team, Huntsville began the game shooting lights out finishing the first period with a field goal percentage of 57.1 (12-of-21).

Trailing by five going into the second, Slay gave Asheville a boost scoring 10 of his 24 points in the quarter closing the Altitude to within six points (51-45) at the half. But a 22-13 run to start the third quarter helped to extend the Flight's lead up to 15 points. Asheville would get no closer than six points the rest of the way.

"We didn't play well on the offense or the defensive end tonight," said Altitude head coach Joey Meyer, who suddenly finds his team 2-3 after starting the season off 2-0. "We really haven't played well in the last three games at all. Huntsville was bigger and more physical than we were, and they made all the big shots. Hopefully, we'll be ready to play (today)."

Huntsville will look to continue its winning ways as they host the Altitude at the Von Braun Center on Dec. 10. Asheville returns to the court tonight, as they host the Fayetteville Patriots. Game time is set for 8 p.m.

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