Slam lose in ABA quarterfinals
March 22, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Bellingham Slam News Release
Rochester, New York - The Bellingham Slam's surprising playoff run came to a disappointing end Wednesday night as they were defeated by the San Jose Skyrockets, 138-119, in the quarterfinals of the American Basketball Association's Great Eight championship series at Blue Cross Arena.
The Slam finished their inaugural season with a record of 20-15. The Skyrockets (30-6) advanced to the semifinals and will face the Rochester Razorsharks, the tournament's host team, on Saturday night.
The Slam received a valiant effort and a career night from Caleb Gervin, who scored 47 points on 18-for-36 shooting while playing all 48 minutes of the game. Gervin was forced to play more than usual as the Slam had only eight players suited for the game.
"We came into the playoffs seeking respect," commented Gervin. "The folks in Pittsburgh and the folks here didn't give our team a chance, but the guys we had gave it their all. We may have only had eight guys playing tonight, but we were the âGreat Eight' tonight."
"We came a long way this season," Gervin reflected following the game. "And all in all it was a great experience. I had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed playing in Bellingham."
The Slam opened the game with some hot shooting, racing out to a 20-11 lead in the first six minutes, thanks to 12 points from Gervin. The Slam kept the pressure on throughout the first half, in part to 57 percent shooting from the floor, and led the highly-favored Skyrockets, 65-59, going into halftime.
The Skyrockets came to life in the third quarter, quickly taking the lead on three consecutive three-pointers by Matt Luedtke. The Slam were able to re-take the lead courtesy of a 13-7 run through the middle stages of the quarter, but Brian Dennis' converted and-one play at 5:54 would mark the last time the Slam would lead in the game.
Bellingham only trailed by two going into the final quarter, but San Jose was able to use their deep bench to exploit the Slam's fatigue. The Skyrockets built up a double-digit lead through the first six minutes, before the Slam's exhaustion truly set in, resulting in the Slam being whistled for a number of shooting fouls. The Skyrockets attempted 22 free throws in the quarter, connecting on 19.
Lamar Castile led seven San Jose players in scoring with 29 points. The team shot 51 percent from the floor as well as from three point range, including a scorching 67 percent in the second half.
The Slam had five of their eight players score in double figures, paced by Gervin's 47 points and 28 by Mike Parker. Mike Bush, Jacob Stevenson, and Craig Roosendaal each added 11.
Gervin's 47 points were a new career high, breaking his old personal best of 45 which was set only ten days ago in the Slam's first round playoff win against Tacoma. Gervin finished the playoffs averaging 42.3 points per game.
The Slam now begin the transition to the off-season, as they look to prepare for their second season of professional basketball in Bellingham next fall.
For more information, call the Slam at 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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