Slam earn first win at IBL Spring Showcase
April 11, 2009 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
PORTLAND - The Bellingham Slam used dominating defensive effort to post their first win of the season, 145-99, over the USA All-Stars at the International Basketball League Spring Showcase on Saturday.
The 99 points allowed marked the first time in over two years that the Slam held an opponent to under 100 points. The last time it happened was on February 26, 2007 when the Slam defeated the American Basketball Association's Fresno Heatwave 125-82.
Like in the Slam's home opener last weekend, Bellingham opened up the game cold, finding themselves tied at 9-9 four minutes into the game. But the Slam used a 29-4 run over the remainder of the first quarter to take a 25-point margin into the first break, at 38-13.
In the second quarter, a Jake Linton three-pointer pushed the Slam's advantage to 30 in the half's final minute before the All-Stars closed with a layup and a converted free throw to put the score at 63-36 at halftime.
The Slam continued to outscore their opponent at a steady pace in the second half, taking a 40-point lead late in the third quarter and briefly holding a 50-point advantage late in the game before the All-Stars hit five three-pointers in the last minutes. With the rout on, reserves Kyle Dalvit and Chris Ferguson had a strong finish, accounting for 14 of the Slam's 34 fourth quarter points.
Brandon Smith led seven Bellingham players in double figures with 22 points, while Linton contributed a double-double with 18 points and a game-high 10 assists. Dalvit finished with a career night, posting 16 points and 17 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive glass.
The Slam set a new team record for total rebounds, besting the All-Stars on the glass by an 80-56 margin.
The USA All-Stars were led by Dexter Gregory, who scored a game-high 31 points and added 16 rebounds.
Bellingham wraps up the IBL's Spring Showcase with a game at 1:00 pm Sunday, before returning home to take on their new rivals from the north, the Vancouver Titans on April 18. Tip-off is set for 7:00 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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