Sports stats

Skyrockets earn redemption in Florida

January 25, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Minot Skyrockets News Release


Sunrise, FL. The final chapter between these bi-coastal powerhouses was written in stone, at least for the regular season, as the San Jose Skyrockets (16-5) pulled off a tough victory against the Florida Pit Bulls (14-6), 100-94. However, the victory did not come easy as the Pit Bulls charged strongly at the end and forced many Skyrocket turnovers, resulting in conversion of three 3D opportunities in the last minute of the game. Tim Hardaway, who led all scorers with 32 points, scored 8 points in the 4th quarter in an effort to catch up with San Jose, but did not get closer beyond 98-94 in the final 8.1 seconds. Todd Okeson shot 5 of 6 free throws at the end of the game to seal the game for San Jose.

The first quarter was fairly even, with both teams exchanging leads early on. It was not until 1:40 left in the first quarter that San Jose started to build a lead, 23-19, with Darius Pope scoring two consecutive fast break baskets. Skyrockets' lead continued to build under Lamar Castile's 15 points in the 2nd quarter, resulting in a 45-26 advantage for San Jose with 5:50 left in the first half. However, Florida's 14 offensive rebounds and San Jose's 12 turnovers that were partly contributed by the Pit Bulls' relentless full court press, kept Florida in the game with the score 53-47 at halftime.

The Skyrockets built their lead in the 3rd quarter to as much as 12 points with a different defensive look that confused Florida's offense, but Tim Hardaway kept Florida close with 10 points in the quarter, including 2 consecutive 3-point shots. Todd Okeson also kept pace with Hardaway, exchanging a pair of consecutive 3-point shots of his own. The Pit Bulls surged to within one point of San Jose, 74-73 in the beginning of the 4th quarter, with St. Preux's free throws and a 3-pointer. Then Jason Smith responded with several key baskets, scoring 4 field goals and 5 free throws, and built an 88-77 lead for the Skyrockets. Afterwards, the Pit Bulls started to press more aggressively but the Skyrockets kept them at bay, ultimately winning the game.

The Skyrockets were led by Jason Smith's 24 points, followed by Lamar Castile's 15 points and Todd Okeson with 14. Jamar Howard, the team's defensive specialist also chipped in with 10 points for San Jose. Other than Hardaway's 32 points, Terrance Shelman scored 14, Sylbrin Robinson 12, and Bobby St. Preux had 11 points.

The Skyrockets will next face the Tijuana Dragons at the San Jose Civic Auditorium in San Jose on Jan 30 at 7pm. For tickets and more information, please call 408 293 3788 or visit www.sjskyrockets.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 January 25, 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 Minot Skyrockets Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central