Slam rally falls short, season ends in Vermont
Published on March 21, 2007 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BURLINGTON, Vt. - The Bellingham Slam nearly overcame a 22-point second-half deficit but still lost to the top-ranked Vermont Frost Heaves, 119-103, in the quarterfinals of the American Basketball Association playoffs on Wednesday at the Memorial Auditorium in Burlington, Vt. The loss ends the Slam's season with a 23-11 record.
Both teams started out playing stellar defense, combining for just nine points in the first 4:14 of the game. Both Vermont and Bellingham were able to pick it up offensively, with the Frost Heaves taking a nine-point lead into the second quarter, at 28-19. The two teams played evenly in the second quarter as Vermont led 54-44 at halftime.
The Frost Heaves were able to build a big lead quickly early in the third quarter, thanks to seven points in five seconds by Kelvin Parker. Parker hit a three-pointer with the 3-D rule in effect, then followed that up right away with a steal and a lay-in, again with the 3-D rule in effect, making the shots worth four and three points, respectively. His flurry helped put Vermont in front by 22, at 70-48, less than four minutes into the third quarter.
Trailing by 18 going into the fourth quarter and their playoff future looking grim, the Slam showed the Frost Heaves and their fans that they would not go away without a fight as they orchestrated a 23-8 run in the quarter's first six minutes to claw back to within three points, at 98-95.
The Slam still trailed by just three with 4:44 left to play before the Frost Heaves turned the tables and produced their own run. Vermont was able to hold Bellingham to just five points in the last four minutes, allowing them to pull away and secure the win.
Like the Slam's second round game with Hollywood, the game was a physical affair with a combined 59 fouls being called.
The Slam were led by Jacob Stevenson and Michael Jones, with 27 and 24 points, respectively. Stevenson connected on 15-of-17 shots from the free throw line. Two other Slam players scored in double figures, with Michael Parker contributing 16 points and Scott Freymond adding 13.
Tyrone Levett and Kelvin Parker shared high-scoring honors for the Frost Heaves, with 21 points apiece. Vermont won the battle of boards with Bellingham, out-rebounding them by a 57-42 margin.
With the win, the Frost Heaves advance to the semifinals of the ABA playoffs at a date to be determined.
For more information, contact the Slam by calling (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 March 21, 2007
- Slam rally falls short, season ends in Vermont - Bellingham Slam
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