Slam Fall in Portland, 116-113
May 27, 2011 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BEAVERTON, Ore. - The Bellingham Slam erased an 18-point second half deficit but couldn't hold onto a late lead as they fell to the Portland Chinooks, 116-113, in an International Basketball League game at the Beaverton Hoop on Thursday.
The victory over Bellingham was Portland's first in eight tries since the Slam joined the IBL in 2008.
After a sloppy first quarter that saw the Slam escape with a 27-23 lead, the Chinooks poured things on in the second quarter, outscoring the visitors 41-21, to take a 64-48 lead into halftime.
With a solid third quarter, Bellingham was able to cut the margin in half to eight, 88-80.
In the fourth quarter, the Slam used a late 17-5 run to take their first lead since the first half, at 104-103 with 2:22 left. But Portland scored the next to baskets to lead by three, at 107-104. The Slam was twice able to get within one in the final two minutes, but was then unable to get the necessary defensive stops to re-take the lead.
Bellingham (8-4), who wrapped up a stretch of four road games with a 2-2 record, was led by the 25 points of Morris Anderson. Blake Poole also had a strong game with 23 points and 16 rebounds.
Portland enjoyed a monster game from newcomer Brian Morris, who put up 42 points and 12 rebounds.
The Slam get little rest as they are back in action Friday, facing the Vancouver Volcanoes at home. A 7 p.m. tip-off is set for Whatcom Pavilion.
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International Basketball League Stories from May 27, 2011
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- Slam Fall in Portland, 116-113 - Bellingham Slam
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