Sports stats

River Hawks snap Ripknees' nine-game winning streak

December 29, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Minnesota Ripknees News Release


St. Paul, MN. Former Minnesota State University, Mankato All-American Jamel Staten returned to the lineup for the Ripknees in a big way, leading Minnesota (11-3) with 35 points and 11 rebounds but it wasn't enough to make up for the team's poor free throw shooting in an 85-82 loss to the ABA Quad City River Hawks (12-5) on Thursday evening at Gangelhoff Center in St. Paul. The Ripknees shot just 39.1% at the free throw line while Quad City countered with a below average 64%, but it was enough to nearly double-up on Minnesota in free throws made and percentage.

Minnesota led by 11 at the half and look poised to continue their dominance over their divisional rival. However, Minnesota was outscored 50-36 after the break as Quad City capitalized on Minnesota's 23 turnovers, outscoring the Ripknees 29-17 in turnovers.

The loss comes on the heels of the Ripknees moving up to #2 in the latest ABA Power Rankings while Quad City is ranked #7. The Ripknees still lead the Central Division. Staten finished the game 13-24 from the field and 8-15 from three-point range while four of his 11 rebounds were on the offensive end. He also added 3 assists and 3 steals. Former U of Minn guard Mitch Ohstad added 12 points. Former Minneapolis Henry and Oklahoma University forward Johnnie Gilbert came off the bench with a double double scoring 10 with a game high 12 rebounds.

Quad City was led by Ryan Edwards with 29 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. The Ripknees close out the 2006 portion of their inaugural schedule with a game at home on Thursday, Jan 4th at 705pm versus the Anderson Champions at 705pm at the Gangelhoff Center. For more information, visit www.ripknees.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 December 29, 2006


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.

Other Recent Minnesota Ripknees Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central