Rockstars win opening night

Published on November 13, 2006 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Chicago Rockstars News Release


Chicago, IL. The ABA Chicago Rockstars began their first season with a come from behind victory willing their inaugural game at Northeastern Illinois University 94-88 over the Minnesota Ripknees. Imari Sawyer led the team with 19 points, 4 assists and a very strong fourth quarter in leading them back from a 15 point halftime deficit. Marcus Liberty, the 38 year old forward, was second in scoring with 14 points and led the team in rebounds (9), steals (4) and assists (4).

Kenny Williams, the Rockstars' head coach and GM, was impressed with the team's first game. "The team showed the fans an exciting finish. They played well and have demonstrated a solid foundation for the future."

In the second half their play improved in almost all phases. One key that Williams pointed out was the resurgent third quarter for the Rockstars was there bench play. "We had a few guys who were really hungry even though they didn't start, and they played huge in that third quarter," Williams said.

The third quarter was the turning point in the contest. The third saw very few fouls, especially compared with the other three quarters and the Rockstars developed a Rhythm. By the end they had closed the gap to four points.

In the final quarter, the Rockstars were able to carry their momentum from the third quarter and take the lead with 3:35 left in the game. Jamel Staten led the Ripknees for the game with 18, but missed two of three free throws after he was fouled behind the line. The Ripknees then missed an opportunity that came off a steal with 52 seconds remaining. On the Rockstars resulting possession, Sawyer delivered a dagger with a hard drive to the basketb to pick up a layup and a foul.

The Ripknees had been playing their forward, Johnnie Gilbert, who had six fouls. Under ABA rules, a player can play with six or more fouls, but this essentially puts the team in the penalty, with any foul committed resulting in free throws for the opposition. As a result, Sawyer went to the line for two free throws rather than one after making his basket in drawing the foul. Sawyer made both free throws and sealed the win.

The Ripknees had one final shot as they made a three pointer, and then forced a steal resulting in a 3-D situation. In the ABA, when a team gains possession of the ball before the opposition has moved it past half court, a basket on the resulting possession will result in an extra point. This gave the Ripknees the chance for a seven point swing with less than 20 seconds remaining. Their point guard, Mitch Ohnstad, who had been difficult for the Rockstars to deal with all night, however, missed the show, forcing, after a rebound by the Ripknees, a desperation shot by Staten that missed as time expired.

The Rockstars next game is on the road in Detroit as they take on the Detroit Panthers on Friday, November 17 at 705pm. For more information, visit www.rockstarsbasketball.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.

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American Basketball Association Stories from November 13, 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.

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