Pittsburgh surprises conference-leading Minot, 108-104
March 13, 2007 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Pittsburgh Xplosion News Release
MINOT, ND, March 13, 2007 - Corey Minnifield scored 24 points and Pittsburgh (9-34) used a 12-2 run midway through the fourth quarter to seize control of a tight contest, upending American Conference-leading Minot (27-15), 108-104, in Continental Basketball Association action at the Minot Civic Center. The Skyrockets Desmond Ferguson connected on a CBA-season high 10 three-pointers and led all scorers with 41 points.
The Black and Gold clung to a three-point lead after three quarters, 81-78. Minot, however, opened the final period by outscoring Pittsburgh 10-4 to seize an 88-85 advantage.
The Xplosion responded to the jab with back-to-back three-point baskets by Lewis Monroe, who finished with a season-high 23 points, and Rob Griffin, who added 21. The buckets ignited a 12-2 spurt that would give Pittsburgh a lead it would not relinquish. The Skyrockets would draw within one in the final minutes, but the Black and Gold would clamp down defensively limiting them to just two field goals over the final 4:20 to pick up the 108-104 win.
Both teams struggled from the floor early in the game with Pittsburgh picking up the initial quarter point, 21-14. Minot, however, answered back by winning the second frame, 33-26, and tying the game at halftime, 47-47.
The final two quarters were close, but Pittsburgh was able to pick up the third quarter, 34-31, and the fourth 27-26, to secure the 6-1 victory.
In addition to Minnifield, Monroe and Griffin, who each tallied 20-plus points, Eric Williams posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 boards. Shawn Hawkins added 11 points and eight caroms.
Ferguson shot 14-24 from the field and 10-17 from three-point range, matching his own CBA season-high for three point baskets.
Free throws hurt the Skyrockets as the shot just 18-33 from the charity stripe.
The Xplosion won for the third time in its last four games and improved to 7-8 since the CBA All-Star Break.
Up next, the Xplosion briefly return home before hitting the road again to cap a four-game road swing at Indiana on Monday, March 19. Game time is slated for 7:05 PM. For more information call the Xplosion at (877) 410-9900 or visit www.pittsburghxplosion.com.
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