Skyrockets handle Slam

Published on January 14, 2006 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Minot Skyrockets News Release


San Jose, CA. What was anticipated as a very tough game was just that as the ABA San Jose Skyrockets rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Bellingham Slam 113-88 in an American Basketball Association game at the San Jose Civic Auditorium. San Jose improved its record to 12-3 while Bellingham dropped to 11-8. The Skyrockets also kept its hold on their #7 ABA power ranking.

The first half saw both teams exchange the lead several times as tough defense and clutch shooting enabled the Slam to hang on for a 51-50 halftime lead. Bellingham sharpshooter Caleb Gervin tallied 13 points in the half despite a strong San Jose defense led by defensive specialist Jamar Howard. Both teams shot 43% for the half.

With the game still close throughout the third quarter, San Jose finally was able to edge in front of Bellingham and led 77-71 at the end of the quarter. Then the roof caved in for the Slam. San Jose continued its all out pressure defense by outscoring Bellingham 36-17 in the final quarter to seal the victory. Guard Lamar Castile nearly single handedly carried the Skyrockets with key baskets from both the outside and inside. Castile, who socred only seven points in the first half, added 22 in the second half to finish with 29 on 11-18 shooting. He led all scorers for the game. But it wasn't all Castile. The Skyrockets continued its balanced scoring attack with 5 players scoring in double figures. Jason Smith and Jamar Howard scored 18 each while Rock Winston had 11 and Matt Luedke contributing 10. San Jose helped itself by also sinking 17-22 from the free throw line while Bellingham was only 12-22.

Brandon Hartley and Caleb Gervin each had 19 points for Bellingham. The two teams play again Saturdaythis weekend at the Civic Auditorium at 530pm. For more information, 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.

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American Basketball Association Stories from January 14, 2006


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