Slam Set for IBL Title Game Rematch Following Semi-Final Win over Seattle
June 29, 2014 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam used a big third quarter to defeat the Seattle Flight 136-105 in the semi-finals of the 2014 International Basketball League Playoffs at the O'Connell Sports Complex on Saturday evening.
The win propels the Slam back into the championship game for the fifth time in team history and third year in a row. And thanks to the Vancouver Volcanoes 156-148 win over the Portland Chinooks in the league's other semi-final, it will be re-match of the 2013 IBL Championship game, which the Slam won, 117-114.
After opening the game with an 11-3 run, the Slam started to falter offensively and led by just 2 at the first quarter break, 25-23.
Things got worse for the Slam in the second quarter, as Seattle's Carlos Singer hit a three-pointer to open the period and put the Flight on top. They stayed ahead the entire quarter, and led by as much as 9 before Bellingham reeled them in a bit to end the half with Seattle leading 52-49.
However, the Slam came out rejuvenated to start the second half and put on perhaps the most impressive single-quarter performance of the season, outscoring the Flight 43-16 to take control of the game. An 18-3 run in the period's final three minutes gave the Slam a comfortable 92-68 lead.
Bellingham kept the offensive barrage coming in the fourth quarter to keep Seattle at bay, aided by four three-point shots by guard Rico Wilkins which came in the span of three minutes midway through the frame.
The Slam was led by guard Morris Anderson, who had an outstanding night with a career-high 41 points on 15-for-18 shooting from the floor. Wilkins finished with 27 points, while center Blake Poole had just 8 points but pulled down a playoff-record 20 rebounds.
Seattle was led by the game-high 48 points of guard Mike James, who accounted for nearly half of the team's offensive production. The Flight earned their spot in the semi-finals by defeating the Salem Sabres 144-136 in first round action.
The Slam returns to the court on Sunday to decide the IBL Championship against the Vancouver Volcanoes, with a win giving the team its third straight title. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at the O'Connell Sports Complex. The game will be broadcast live on KPUG 1170 AM and a live video stream will be available at www.ibltv.com.
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International Basketball League Stories from June 29, 2014
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- Slam Set for IBL Title Game Rematch Following Semi-Final Win over Seattle - Bellingham Slam
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