Miners turn back Rio Grande Valley
Published on November 27, 2007 under Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
East Kentucky Miners News Release
PIKEVILLE, KY. - Following a two-game road trip to Oklahoma that was capped off with a brief holiday hiatus, professional basketball returned to Eastern Kentucky Monday night. The East Kentucky Miners won both of the two middle quarters and defeated visiting Rio Grande Valley 119-116 Monday night on their home hardwood at the East Kentucky Expo Center. East Kentucky was able to overcome a slow start and hold off a spirited late Rio Grande Valley rally.
The Silverados, under the guidance of longtime basketball mentor Steve Tucker, carried a 34-25 lead out of the opening quarter. After converting more on the offensive end in the second quarter, East Kentucky managed to take a 51-46 lead into halftime.
Playing out of a reserve role, point guard Jason McLeish ignited the host Miners in all four quarters. McLeish provided a spark in off of the bench for the Miners. A former Eastern Kentucky University standout, McLeish finished with 20 points, five assists, four rebounds, six steals and two blocks.
"Jason McLeish is a game-changer," East Kentucky Coach Kevin Keathley commented following the home victory. "He entered the game and gave us a big lift when we needed it on more than one occasion."
Keathley, a former Rio Grande Valley assistant coach, started his coaching career in the college ranks under the tutelage of Tucker.
"They get no better than Coach Steve Tucker," said Keathley. "When you face a Steve Tucker-coached team you're in for a battle."
Syracuse product Josh Pace led East Kentucky with 28 points.
Boo Jackson, Bryant Northern and Lawrence Barnes each had 14 points for the Miners.
In another solid effort, Marcus Heard followed with 11 points for the home team.
East Kentucky (2-3) outscored Rio Grande Valley 28-18 in the third quarter.
Mike Dean led visiting Rio Grande Valley (0-6) with a game-high 36 points. Five different Rio Grande Valley players reached double figures in the scoring column. Tim Pledger followed with 23 points for the Silverados. Johnny Tyson netted 20 points and Trent Eager added 12 for the team from Texas. Tyson recorded the game's only double-double, pulling down 10 rebounds to go along with his 20 points.
Reynaldo Norman pushed in 10 points for the Silverados.
East Kentucky recorded 15 steals in the fast-paced matchup and won the quarter points 5-2.
The Miners are currently on a five-game homestand. East Kentucky will host the Butte Daredevils in the first of two games Wednesday night at the Expo Center. Tip-off for Wednesday's East Kentucky-Butte game is set for 7:05 p.m.
Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from November 27, 2007
- Cavs Extend Win Streak To 4-0 With Win Over Great Falls - Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry
- Xplosion Take Three-Game Win Streak To Undefeated Yakama Tonight - Pittsburgh Xplosion
- Pace named CBA American Conference Player of the Week - East Kentucky Miners
- Miners turn back Rio Grande Valley - East Kentucky Miners
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