Portland's IBL Ride Ends in Playoffs to Rival Vancouver
July 5, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Portland Chinooks News Release
Portland, Oregon - The Chinooks saw their 11-game winning streak turn into vapor in the semifinals of the IBL Playoffs on Independence Day at Eastmoreland Courts. Portland came just shy of playing for the championship for the second straight season and the third in their history, falling 117-109 to Vancouver in "Battle of the Bridges IV".
The game was back-and-forth early, tied at 19 midway through the opening period. Then Portland scored thirteen unanswered points to build a 41-26 lead after one. Vancouver responded with a 15-0 spurt and kept the pressure on, grabbing the lead before halftime, 67-63.
The Chinooks played catch-up in the 2nd half, and came all the way back to tie the game at 93 going to the fourth. Portland had a slim lead at the midway point, but couldn't keep up the pace as the Volcanoes ran up a 15-6 margin to close out the game.
Portland lost for the first time since May 27th. They finish with a 14-6 mark and 3rd place in the Continental Conference.
Germain Jordan was named the league's Most Improved Player at the halftime awards ceremony. He backed it up with a near triple-double of 20 points, 16 rebounds and 9 assists. Jared Cunningham was the leading scorer with 32. Kevin Ford added a DD of 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Volcanoes were led by MVP Chehales Tapscott's 33 points and 16 rebounds, his record 19th straight double-double. Andre Murray added 24, while Garrett Sim and Josh Tarver each chipped in 15 points.
Vancouver (16-4) advances to the championship game for the second time in three seasons. They won their first IBL title two years ago in the Rose City and will play Bellingham at 7:00pm on Friday night at Eastmoreland for the prize.
There's a lot ahead for Portland in the off-season with overseas camps and players getting signed to deals. The Chinooks look forward to another thrilling season of International Basketball League competition next April.
• Discuss this story on the International Basketball League message board...
International Basketball League Stories from July 5, 2013
- Slam Face Volcanoes for Shot at Third IBL Title - Bellingham Slam
- Portland's IBL Ride Ends in Playoffs to Rival Vancouver - Portland Chinooks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
