Lightning Burns Hoops for Fourth Time
January 5, 2003 - Continental Basketball Association 2 (CBA 2)
Grand Rapids Hoops News Release
The Grand Rapids HOOPS fell victim to the Rockford Lightning's high-octane offense for the fourth time this season, 127-115 at the Rockford MetroCenter.
Alex Scales scored 14 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, but it was not nearly enough to overcome a 33-16 first-quarter thrashing. Jerald Honeycutt also registered 26 points of his own, while Larry Ayuso added 21.
The first quarter once again spelled doom for Grand Rapids, as Rockford used a 17-3 run to close the quarter to take a 17-point lead. The HOOPS were slow to find their shooting touch as they shot a dismal 7-20 (.350) in the first frame.
Grand Rapids (10-12) was not able to overcome the sloppy play in the second quarter to cut into Rockford's lead. They trailed 62-46 at halftime, as the two teams combined for 31 turnovers.
Rockford (14-6) rode another large 14-4 run to take the third quarter from the HOOPS, as they dominated both the offensive and defensive boards. For the game, the Lightning held a 65-52 rebounding advantage, including 23 on the offensive end.
The HOOPS finally found their shooting range in the final frame, but it was too little too late. They sank 13 of 23 shots in the fourth, but they were not able to dwindle Rockford's lead until the final minutes. Scales, Honeycutt, and Immanuel McElroy combined to score 29 of Grand Rapids' final 30 points, but Albert White hit some clutch shots down the stretch to salvage the lead.
Seven players scored in double-figures for the conference-leading Lightning, including three players who registered double-doubles. Ronnie Fields led the way with 26 points and ten rebounds, while White added 20 points and 12 boards. Livan Pyfrom also registered 12 points and 11 rebounds for Rockford.
Grand Rapids will face Great Lakes on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at the DeltaPlex Arena.
Continental Basketball Association 2 Stories from January 5, 2003
- Lightning Burns Hoops for Fourth Time - Grand Rapids Hoops
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