Matteson Rallies Slam Past Portland with Last-Second Three-Pointer
May 27, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
LYNDEN, Wash. -Center Evan Matteson connected on a three-pointer with one-half second remaining as the Bellingham Slam came from behind to defeat the Portland Chinooks, 106-104, in a thrilling International Basketball League contest at Whatcom Pavilion on Monday.
The Slam, which looked sluggish for much of the night, trailed by 17 early in the fourth quarter, before using a total team effort to make a comeback. Five different players scored as they whittled the deficit into single digits, at 94-85 with 5:16 left. With 36 second remaining, guard Morris Anderson scored on a mid-range jumper to knot the score at 102-102, before Portland's Mike Hart was successful on a putback attempt with 14 ticks left on their next possession to give the lead back to the Chinooks.
Bellingham, holding for the last shot, struggled to get a good look and time ticked down before guard Rico Wilkins kicked the ball to Matteson, who nailed his go-ahead trey from the right corner to put the Slam up 105-104.
With half a second remaining, Portland had one last chance to win it but forward David Lucas was called for a foul before the ball could be inbounded, killing their possession and a chance at their own game-winner.
Guard Jacob Stevenson sealed the victory by hitting the first of his two free throws, before smartly missing his second shot to allow time to expire.
Portland came out ready to play in the first quarter, quickly building a ten-point lead, at 16-6, less than six minutes into the game. The Slam were able to respond and scored the last three buckets of the quarter to square the score at 29-all.
The second quarter was mostly even, with Portland outscoring Bellingham 27-24 to take a 56-53 lead into halftime.
The third quarter was when the Chinooks made their big push, using a late 14-0 run to break open a close game and push their advantage to 20, at 86-66. Forward Jared Cunningham, who was a strong performer all night, was particularly clutch during the third as he put up 14 points.
Bellingham, winners of their eighth straight game, improved to 9-1 on the season and were led by Stevenson, who scored 23 points. Matteson finished with 16 while Wilkins and Derrick Webb each had 15.
Portland (3-5) was led by Lucas and Cunningham, who scored 37 and 35 points, respectively. Hart come up huge on the boards, pulling down a game-high 23 rebounds.
The Slam head north for their next home game, coming up on Saturday, June 1 as they host the Seattle Flight at Blaine High School. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
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International Basketball League Stories from May 27, 2013
- Matteson Rallies Slam Past Portland with Last-Second Three-Pointer - Bellingham Slam
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