Slam Hosts Edmonton on Friday in Battle of Top Teams
Published on May 17, 2012 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BELLINGHAM, Wash.-The Bellingham Slam look to continue their hot start to the 2012 International Basketball League season as they open a three-game homestand with a rare visit from the Edmonton Energy on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.at Whatcom Pavilion.
The Bellinghamand Edmontonfranchises both joined the International Basketball League in 2008, and the two teams have faced each other a total of 12 times, with the Slam holding a 8-4 series lead. But just one of those games has taken place in Bellingham, a 121-115 win back on June 28, 2009.
Friday's match-up will feature the top two teams in the IBL this season thus far. The Slam come into the game in the league's top spot with a 7-1 record, while the Energy find themselves in second place with a 3-1 mark. Edmontonwill have their work cut out for them this weekend as Friday's game kicks off a three-games-in-three-nights road trip that will also take them to Salemand Portland.
The Slam is being led by veteran guard Paul Hafford, who is averaging 21.6 points per game on the strength of 41 percent shooting from three-point range. He also currently ranks second on the team in rebounding with 5.9 boards per game. Center Blake Poole is the Slam's leading rebounder and second leading scorer but will be looking to come back from a couple difficult outings last weekend in which he was limited by injury and foul trouble. Guard Jacob Stevenson, the Slam's all-time leading scorer but currently only averaging 13.6 points per game, looks to have shaken loose from his slow start after scoring a combined 40 points in two wins last weekend.
Edmontonis off to a good start after finishing the 2011 season as runner-up to the IBL Champion Vancouver Volcanoes. With much of their veteran roster intact, they are being led by guards Curtis Nash and Steve Sir, who are averaging 18 and 17.5 points per game, respectively. Forward Troy Gottselig has been the team's most productive forward, with averages of 15 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest.
Friday's game will be followed by two more home contests to end the month. The Slam will welcome the Olympia Reign to town on May 25 at 7pmbefore hosting the Japan Tornadoes in their annual Memorial Day game on May 28 at 5pm. All three games will be broadcast live on KBAI 930 AM.
International Basketball League Stories from May 17, 2012
- Baycats off to perfect 4-0 start, Panthers defeat Maple Leafs - IBL
- Slam Hosts Edmonton on Friday in Battle of Top Teams - Bellingham Slam
- G-Force Guard Named IBL Player of the Week - Jersey G-Force
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