Slam Comeback Falls Short in Home Opener
April 22, 2012 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam nearly overcame a dismal first half as they fell to the Salem Soldiers, 112-105, in their International Basketball League home opener Saturday at Whatcom Pavilion.
The win for Salem was the first for the franchise, which is playing its first season in the IBL. The Slam's record fell to 1-1 after a win in Olympia on Friday night.
Bellingham shot just 35 percent from the floor in the first half to Salem's 55 percent, and trailed 61-47 at the break.
But after getting behind by 19 at the end of the third quarter on a Phil Nelson three-pointer, the Slam started to rally in the fourth quarter and was eventually able to trim the margin to two, at 101-99, with 3:41 left. But they couldn't get any closer as Salem always seemed to have an answer on offensive end down the stretch.
Blake Poole led three Slam players with at least 20 points with 24.
Salem's Chehales Tapscott led all scorers with 32 points on 14-of-18 shooting, and also added 11 rebounds.
The Slam next play on Friday, April 27 against the Portland Chinooks. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
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International Basketball League Stories from April 22, 2012
- Slam Comeback Falls Short in Home Opener - Bellingham Slam
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