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Nighthawks victorious in regular season finale

March 7, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Maryland NightHawks News Release


Rockville, MD - Heading into Sunday night's game against the Harlem Strong Dogs, the Nighthawks knew they had already secured a first-round bye in the American Basketball Association (ABA) playoffs. But that did not dampen their competitive spirit. The Nighthawks completed an impressive regular season by fending off a determined Strong Dogs squad Sunday night, 126-120, in front of a sold-out, standing-room only home crowd at Montgomery College - Rockville Campus.

Harlem controlled the pace early, leading by 10 points midway through the second quarter. Maryland Guard Eric Branham led the comeback charge, forcing ill-advised shots by Harlem and making two huge three-pointers late in the first half.

Branham's defense was crucial again in the second half, as he disrupted the tough Harlem offense and allowed the Nighthawks to attack the basket with reckless abandon, drawing key fouls. As a team, Maryland was 15-16 from the charity stripe in the second half, when they led by as many as 14 points.

The Nighthawks (25-10) turned in another full-team effort in the victory, led by their big men; Lee Cook tallied 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Omar Weaver contributed 23 points off the bench. Guard Anton Jennifer dropped in 20 points and ABA Slam Dunk champion Ray "Hops" Cunningham recorded his third straight "double-double" with 10 point and 13 rebounds.

It was a busy, yet productive weekend for the Nighthawks, with victories in Montreal against the Matrix on Friday Night, and at home over the Baltimore Pearls on Saturday night.

By securing a first-round bye, the Nighthawks will not play again until the second-round of the playoffs, where they are scheduled to host a game on Friday, March 17.

For more information, please visit www.marylandnighthawks.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.

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