Nighthawks victorious in season opener

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


Newark, NJ. The ABA Maryland Nighthawks opened the 2006-2007 season with a 118-113 road win against the Newark Express. The Nighthawks trailed by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter before rallying to beat the Express.

In a game where both teams combined to miss 28 free throws, the Nighthawks were able to step into a hostile environment and start the season off with a win against a very tough Newark team. With only four returning players from last year's roster, and only one player over 6-5, the Nighthawks executed head coach Keith Williams' game plan, going with a full court press and running the ball.

Trailing by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter, Landy Thompson was brought into the game and gave the Nighthawks a spark off the bench. Thompson scored all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter and forced some key turnovers. After the Express pulled to within 113-116 on a Donald Hennie 15 footer from the top of the key, Newark was forced to foul the Nighthawks to stop the clock. On the ensuing free throws, Andrew "Sponge Bob" Washington missed both shots but managed to get his own offensive rebound and lay in the put back sealing the game.

The Nighthawks had six players in double figures. Newcomers Dennis Edwards (25) and Washington (24) joined veteran Lee Cook (20) as they combined for 69 of the Nighthawks 118 points. Zakee Boyd led the Express with a game high 31.

Anton Jenifer, the teams starting point guard was a late scratch from the lineup after experiencing soreness during the pre-game shoot around. Arthur Lewis (10) who played with the ABA's Baltimore Pearls last season, started in Jenifer's place. Jenifer is day-to-day and is expected to play in the Nighthawks home opener.

The Nighthawks will return home and host the expansion Richmond Ballerz in their home opener on Sun, Nov 12. tip off is set for 705pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office on game day. General admission is $12 for adults, $6 for kids (12 & under). A limited number of floor seats can be purchased for $20. For more information, call 301 466 1781 or visit www.marylandnighthawks.com or www.abalive.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 November 7, 2006


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