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Skyrockets Sputter In Sunrise

January 24, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Minot Skyrockets News Release


Sunrise, FL. After splitting two games in San Jose, the dramatic saga between the two ABA powerhouses, the San Jose Skyrockets and the Florida Pit Bulls, continued as the Skyrockets traveled to Florida to challenge the Pit Bulls on their home floor for two more games. As with the previous two contests, the atmosphere was very intense with aggressive play and strong emotions spilling onto the court, but neither team was able to deliver the knockout punch until Florida prevailed at the end by the score of 97-93.

The Skyrockets came out flat in the first half unable to convert open looks from the floor. Florida's interior defense caused problems for San Jose, resulting as much as an 8-point advantage for the Pit Bulls in the first half. The Skyrocket hung on closely for most of the game and trailed 41-36 at halftime.

The Skyrockets started their now-regular 4th quarter surge towards the end of the 3rd quarter with eight unanswered points to come within one point, 60-59. However, Delvin Thomas responded with 12 points in the final quarter for the Pit Bulls, causing the Skyrockets to fall behind by as much as a dozen points. Then, Matt Luedtke finally caught fire for San Jose converting 5-3 pointers, including a 3D 3-pointer that's worth 4 points to come within one of Florida 94-93. Shelman then shot a free throw to give Florida a two-point cusion 95-93. But that was all the Skyrockets could manage as Pope was driving on the baseline and was called for a controversial offensive foul with 8.3 seconds left with a chance to tie the score. Jarron Jones shot the final two free throws to seal the victory for the Pit Bulls.

The Skyrockets were led by Matt Luedtke with 21 points, Jason Smith and Rock Winston with 15 each. Lamar Castile also contributed 11 points for San Jose. The Pit Bulls were led by Delvin Thomas' 21 points while Marcus Barnes chipped in 20. Ronald Dokes contributed 14 and Terrance Shelman 12.

The Skyrockets will challenge the Pit Bulls again at the BankAtlantic Center tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm for the final match-up between the two teams this season. The Skyrockets return home to face the Tijuana Dragons on Mon, Jan 30 at the San Jose Civic Auditotium at 7pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.sjskyrockets.com or call 408 293 3788 or visit 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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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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