Matteson, Wilkins Lead Slam to Tenth Straight Win
Published on June 10, 2013 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BELLINGHAM, Wash. -Four players scored over 20 points as the Bellingham Slam cruised to their tenth consecutive victory, 153-100 over the East Bay Pit Bulls in International Basketball League play at Whatcom Pavilion on Sunday.
The Slam, facing an East Bay lineup playing its third game in as many days, took advantage of lackluster defense by the Pit Bulls from the get-go. Leading 9-6 early, Bellingham used an 11-2 run in the middle stages of the first quarter to open up an 20-8 lead with six minutes left before taking a 34-25 score into the quarter break.
The game was decided in the second quarter after the Slam offense exploded for 42 points thanks to 18 points from guard Drew Ready, who nearly outscored the entire Pit Bulls lineup which could only muster 19 in the frame. A three-ball from guard Rico Wilkins pushed the Slam's advantage to 30 with two minutes left before Bellingham headed into halftime with a 76-44 lead.
It was more of the same in the third quarter for the Slam, who extended the margin to 40 for the first time, at 91-51, on a bucket by center Evan Matteson with 8:28 left.
Bellingham's offense didn't rest in the fourth quarter, as Wilkins and guard Chas Kok combined to score the Slam's first 16 points in the period, with Wilkins' 11-point barrage coming in the span of just 80 seconds to put the score at 132-82 with eight minutes to go. The Slam's reserves kept the tired Pit Bulls at bay the rest of the way.
Matteson led Bellingham's team-oriented offense with 25 points, while Wilkins ended with 23 on 6-of-9 shooting from three-point range.
Forward Nick Moore posted a season-high 17 rebounds.
Forward Mike Scott led seven East Bay players in double figures with 23 points, while guard Phil Johnson posted a double-double with 13 points and 15 boards.
The Slam head on the road for their next game as they face a tough test against the Portland Chinooks on Tuesday, with a 7 p.m. set for Eastmoreland Court. The team won't return home until June 21 when they welcome their rivals, the Vancouver Volcanoes, back to Whatcom Pavilion for a 7 p.m. start.
International Basketball League Stories from June 10, 2013
- Matteson, Wilkins Lead Slam to Tenth Straight Win - Bellingham Slam
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