Navigators' comeback falls short against Slam
January 25, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Tacoma Navigators News Release
(BELLINGHAM, WA)-The Tacoma Navigators professional basketball team started Tuesday night's game with the Bellingham Slam ice-cold from the field, falling behind 15-0, then by as many as 28 points in the first half, before coming roaring back to within two at 82-80 in the third quarter, but ran out of gas down the stretch and dropped the game 121-107.
Shooting guard and newly-named ABA All-Star, Tim Ellis, led all scorers with 29 points, including 13-for-18 from the foul line--the 16th time he's earned game-high scoring honors in his ABA career. Power forward Dontay Harris posted his ninth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds, and 6'6" swingman Jim Rainwater tossed in 22 points, including 8-for-9 in free throws. In his Tacoma Navigators debut, former Bellevue Blackhawks and Harlem Globetrotters star power forward, and 2004-05 ABA All-Star, Eric Sandrin, tallied seven points and eight rebounds in a limited role. Sandrin played for the Slam as recently as last week, but was signed by Tacoma after obtaining his release last Friday.
The Slam got balanced scoring with six players in double figures, including newly-named All-Star, Caleb Gervin (18), Brandon Hartley (19) and Kevin Woodberry (19). Bellingham big man Brian Dennis had a monster night defensively, grabbing 18 rebounds to go along with his nine points. Dennis was a member of last season's ABA Runner-up Bellevue Blackhawks, now playing in his college hometown from Western Washington University.
The same two teams match up Thursday night 1/26 at Whatcom Pavilion in Bellingham. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 PM and good seats are still available by visiting www.abalive.com or www.bellinghamslam.com. Tacoma will host its chief rival the Bellevue Blackhawks Saturday night at Mt. Tahoma High School, which is "Mountain Mitsubishi Night." Fans can obtain complimentary tickets from owner Steve Hiatt at the dealership. Call (253) 671-7100 for details, or visit: www.TacomaNavigators.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
American Basketball Association Stories from January 25, 2006
- Xplosion's Armon Gilliam named to ABA All-Star Team - Pittsburgh Xplosion
- ABA and Salute announce addition to Salute merchandise line - ABA
- Ice upsets top-ranked Alley Cats - Toledo Royal Knights
- Talons defeat Dragons - Gallup Outlaws
- Juneteenth state holiday bill introduced in Mississippi - Mississippi Miracles
- RazorSharks Game Notes - Rochester RazorSharks
- Two more players added to All-Star teams - ABA
- Navigators' comeback falls short against Slam - Tacoma Navigators
- Skyrockets earn redemption in Florida - Minot Skyrockets
- Slam navigate to 121-107 victory over Tacoma - Bellingham Slam
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