Slam narrowly miss upset of #2 Vermont in 112-107 loss
February 10, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BARRE, Vermont - The Bellingham Slam played better, but were unable to overcome the second-ranked Vermont Frost Heaves as they lost their second straight American Basketball Association contest, 112-107, against the Heaves at a sold out Municipal Auditorium in Barre, Vermont on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday's game was a classic tilt which included a little bit of everything at times - stifling defense, clutch shooting, and a result that wasn't determined until the game's final seconds. The game even included a halftime scrimmage between local mascots in which the Slam's own mascot, Slam Man, was the leading scorer.
As for the game itself, both teams struggled offensively in the first half, with the Frost Heaves earning a 49-42 advantage after the first 24 minutes.
Both teams' shooting picked up in the second half, with the third quarter proving to be the Slam's best, as they erased the Frost Heaves' lead and took a four-point edge into the fourth quarter, thanks to a deep buzzer-beating three-pointer by Scott Freymond.
Unfortunately for Bellingham, Vermont's offense really started clicking in the fourth quarter as they rattled off 36 points in the period. Nonetheless, the Slam held a five point lead, at 100-95, with 3:45 left in the game. After Vermont scored the next five points to tie up the game, Hartley hit a three-pointer to give the Slam a 103-100 lead with 2:05 left.
Hartley's clutch shot would mark the last lead of the night for the Slam as Vermont was able to re-tie the game on the next trip down the court. After a Slam turnover, the Frost Heaves took the lead for good on two free throws with 44 seconds remaining.
Bellingham had a decent chance to force overtime or pull off the upset, but missed a deep two pointer with 30 seconds left. Vermont nailed its free throws the rest of the way to preserve its 11th victory in its last 12 games.
Mike Parker led five Slam players with 37 points. Brandon Hartley followed up a superb performance Thursday night with a 23-point showing, while Brian Dennis netted 15 points and 15 rebounds. Tyrone Leavett led the Frost Heaves with 23 points.
The Slam now look to salvage the final game of their east coast road trip Sunday afternoon north of the border against the Montreal Royal. Tip-off is set for 4:05 p.m. local time.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 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.
American Basketball Association Stories from February 10, 2007
- Slam narrowly miss upset of #2 Vermont in 112-107 loss - Bellingham Slam
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