Slam Fights off Olympia for Eleventh Straight Win, 130-126
Published on June 9, 2012 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam thwarted a furious fourth quarter comeback by the Olympia Reign as they won, 130-126, in an International Basketball League contest at Whatcom Pavilion on Friday.
The first and fourth quarters proved to be the most difficult for the Slam, as they started off sluggish before building up a 25-point lead in the third quarter, only to see the Reign fight back to get within one point in the closing moments of the game.
Olympia's fourth-quarter comeback was fueled by six three-pointers in the last four minutes, and if it was not for the Slam responding on the offensive end, the Reign would have likely been able to take the lead.
After guard Virgil Matthews hit consecutive treys for the Reign with under a minute to play to pull Olympia within two, at 125-123, Slam guard Morris Anderson responded with a driving lay-in to put Bellingham back up by four.
Guard Nate Menefee immediately replied with another three-pointer to make it a one-point game with ten seconds left, and then Anderson hit one of two free throws to put the Slam up 128-126.
With a chance looming for Olympia to tie the game or win it, Anderson stole the ball from the Reign's Mike Ward in the dying seconds and sprinted down for a lay-in to seal the Slam's eleventh consecutive victory.
The narrow victory gave Bellingham a four-game season sweep of Olympia, with the previous three games decided by an average of 36 points.
Guard Jacob Stevenson led three Bellingham (12-1) players who finished with double-doubles with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Paul Hafford had 26 and 10 while center Blake Poole put up 19 and 14. Anderson finished with 25 points.
Olympia (3-11) was led by the 28 points of guard Nate Menefee. Guards Virgil Matthews and Mike Ward also had strong games with 24 and 20 points, respectively.
The Slam get a day off before heading south to face the Salem Soldiers on Sunday in Salem, Ore. The Slam's next home game is Saturday, June 23 against the Yamhill Highflyers. 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.
International Basketball League Stories from June 9, 2012
- Slam Fights off Olympia for Eleventh Straight Win, 130-126 - Bellingham Slam
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