Legends overtake Energy
May 14, 2011 - International Basketball League (IBL) News Release
The Albany Legends came from behind, erasing an 11 point deficit at the end of 3 quarters to overtake the Edmonton Energy 122 - 115 and up their record to 9-2 on the season. Albany took a one point lead (55 - 54) into the half, only to come out to find the Energy on fire in the 3rd quarter outscoring the defending champs 31 - 19 in the stanza. Albany Head Coach Ben Smith was ejected off of 2 technical fouls with 5:27 left and Albany down 73 - 67 in a quarter where Edmonton shot 60% from the field while dominating the glass, by out rebounding the home team 17- 7 in the quarter. But Albany regrouped under Assistant Coach Rich Gilooly and the rest of the Albany staff, with the Legends playing solid defense down the stretch forcing 9 Energy turnovers, and out scoring the Energy by 18 in the 4th. 3 point baskets by Damone Morris and Lloyd Johnson along with a 3 point combo by D'Andre (the Giant) Thomas helped Albany chip away at the lead cutting it to 4. 91-87 with 8:10 remaining. Then back to back steals and scores by EJ Gallup and Lloyd Johnson tied it up at 91 at the minute mark. Rashaun Broadus hit a runner, and Quinell Brown added a pair of jumpers and a free throw to put Edmonton back up by 7 98-91 with 5:21 on the clock. A pair of free throws by Damone Morris, and former U Albany stand out Will Harris added a pair of 3 point plays to put Albany up by 1, 99 - 98 with 4:20 left. Brown answered for Edmonton retaking the lead 100 - 99 with 4:07 remaining. But that was the last lead the Energy would enjoy on the night as Morris dropped a bomb for 3 at 3:41 giving Albany a 102 -100 advantage and Albany went on a 10 - 2 run over the next 90 seconds, and the Energy were forced into quick foul mode in the attempt to gain additional chances to come back. However Albany hit on 10 of 13 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Edmonton shot 52.9% on the night, but hit only 4 from 3 point range, and out rebounded Albany by 22, 54-32, while Albany canned 13 3's while shooting 48.7% from the field. The Energy committed 26 turnovers to Albany's 17 on the night.
Both teams placed 6 players in double figures, with the Energy being led by Casey Crawfords 22 point 10 rebound performance, with Rashaun Broadus and Quinnell Brown adding 19, while Curtis Nash and Troy Gottselig each had 16.
Albany was led by veterans Damone Morris and DeAndre Thomas, each with 22 on the night, while Emanuel Mayben and Will Harris dropped in 18 a piece. Lloyd Johnson contributed 16 and EJ Gallup added 14 to the cause.
Edmonton, playing only their second game of the season drops to 0 - 2 on the year.
The teams will meet again for game 3 of the series tomorrow morning - at 9 AM at CBA in Colonie.
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International Basketball League Stories from May 14, 2011
- Legends overtake Energy - IBL
- Change in Scheduled Game Time for Sunday May 15, 2011 - Albany Legends
- Diggs leads Slam rout Oregon Waves, 151-112 - Bellingham Slam
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