Portland Shoots Down Japan
June 16, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Portland Chinooks News Release
Portland, Oregon - The Portland Chinooks continued their winning ways on Saturday night at Eastmoreland Courts. Playing visitor on this night against the IBL's international member, the Nippon Tornadoes of Japan, Portland ran away for another 50-plus point victory, winning 141-83.
The Chinooks allowed the Tornadoes to believe they had a chance early on. The opening minutes were back and forth with Portland holding just a 14-13 lead midway through the first. Whatever was said by Head Coach Trevor Kiser in timeout brought on a 19-5 spurt to close out the period with Portland holding a 33-18 advantage. The Chinooks bettered the Tornadoes in the second frame, taking a 65-39 into the break.
Portland knew they had the opportunity to close it out in the third. So did Nippon. The Tornadoes nearly matched the Chinooks basket for basket with as close to an even period as they come. Still, Portland led by 27 points headed into the final quarter. They hit triple digits early on their way to 44 points in the period, nearly holding Nippon to single digits. After leading by as much as 61, the Chinooks settled for a 58-point victory.
Portland improves their record to 10-5 with their seventh straight win and ten of their past twelve. They now hold a two-game lead over Salem, and trail 2nd place Vancouver by just a game and a half.
Seven Chinook players scored in double figures, led for the second straight night by David Lucas (6'8" F - Oregon State). He came to life in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 of his game-high 35 points when it counted most. The team captain added 13 rebounds for the double-double. Jared Cunningham (6'9" F - Cleveland State) and Kevin Ford (6'9" C - Oral Roberts) each added 21 points. Both had at least a half-dozen assists. Mike Hart (6'6" G - Gonzaga) also gave a double-double effort with 11 points and 13 rebounds, mostly in the second half. He also dished for 7 assists. Greg Foster, Clinton Joshua, and Joe Wolfinger hit for double figures as well.
Portland was the better shooting team at 50% to their opponent's 34%. The battle of the boards wasn't even close with the Chinooks clobbering their opponent, 78-44.
Nippon was led by Jordan Highland with 19 points and 9 rebounds in his IBL debut. Glen Hollins added 17 points. Three other Tornado players scored in double figures.
These teams rematch on Tuesday at 7:00 back at Eastmoreland Courts, home of next month's IBL playoffs! Portland hosts Salem in another import Continental Conference clash on Thursday, June 20th.
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International Basketball League Stories from June 16, 2013
- Stevenson Leads Slam Rout of Japan Tornadoes, 142-106 - Bellingham Slam
- Chinooks Take Down Conference Contender - Portland Chinooks
- Portland Shoots Down Japan - Portland Chinooks
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