Post-Christmas Blues Hurt the Hoops
December 27, 2002 - Continental Basketball Association 2 (CBA 2)
Grand Rapids Hoops News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. â The Grand Rapids HOOPS could not overcome a 17-point halftime deficit, falling to the Sioux Falls Skyforce 110-99 at the Sioux Falls Arena. The HOOPS came within four points at one point, but they couldn't control the Skyforce, who were led by an outstanding performance from Kelly McClure. McClure scored 22 of his game-high 41 points in the second half. He was a perfect 12 of 12 from the line in leading Sioux Falls to six of seven quarter points.
After a five-day layoff over Christmas, the Grand Rapids HOOPS began the night quite sluggish, falling behind 34-22 after one quarter. Their outside touch seemed to suffer the most as the made only one of nine attempts. The Skyforce was aided by a 16-4 run to close out the frame.
Michigan State alum, Marcus Taylor sparked the home team in the second quarter, scoring all of his seven points in his only action of the evening. Versile Shaw scored 14 points on 7-8 FG, as Sioux Falls used their red-hot 26-40 FG shooting to take a 64-47 advantage at the half.
Grand Rapids' Larry Ayuso led the HOOPS at the half with 11 points, although he was able to connect on only one of eight from three-point range.
The HOOPS were able to awaken in the locker room at halftime, as they stormed out to a 16-2 run to begin the second half. They were also able to regain their shooting touch, as they hit on their first four three-point attempts as well. After three quarters, Grand Rapids had successfully cut the deficit to six points, 81-75.
The fourth quarter was a back and forth battle, with the HOOPS unable to close a double-figure disadvantage. The Skyforce's Randy Livingston drained four of six free throws in the final minute to close out their sixth victory of the season.
Grand Rapids was led by Ayuso, who scored 22 points, while Alex Scales and Jerald Honeycutt both notched 20 points apiece. Versile Shaw scored 20 points and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds for Sioux Falls, while Randy Livingston finished the game with 18 points and 16 assists. McClure's point total and Livingston's assist total are both season highs for the HOOPS.
Grand Rapids now returns home to face the Great Lakes Storm on Saturday night at the DeltaPlex. Tip off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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Continental Basketball Association 2 Stories from December 27, 2002
- Post-Christmas Blues Hurt the Hoops - Grand Rapids Hoops
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