Slam Shake off Slow Start to Edge Vancouver, 127-120
May 12, 2012 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam shook off a dismal first quarter as they came from behind to defeat the Vancouver Volcanoes, 127-120, in a chippy International Basketball League game on Friday.
The game got more physical as it progressed, with the two teams combining for 72 fouls, five technicals and four disqualifications.
The Slam endured a dreadful start to the game, committing 10 turnovers in the first quarter and finding themselves down 33-21.
Bellingham began to find their rhythm in the second quarter, and surged back to trail by one, at 54-53, after guard Drew Ready hit a three-pointer at the halftime buzzer.
Ready then opened the third quarter with another outside shot to give the Slam their first lead, at 56-54. The third quarter remained close throughout, with Vancouver eventually edging back ahead, at 87-86.
The Slam opened the fourth quarter with a 9-2 run to take the lead for good and eventually stretched the lead up to 11 before the Volcanoes trimmed the deficit to five in the game's waning moments. But solid free throw shooting for Bellingham helped preserve the victory.
Bellingham (5-1) was paced by the effords of guard Paul Hafford, who led six Bellingham players in double figures with 26 points. Guard Jacob Stevenson finished with 23.
The loss for Vancouver (4-1) spoiled an incredible night for guard Andre Murray, who led all scorers with 40 points on 6-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Guard Dominique Watson contributed 29.
The Slam head on the road for a game against the Olympia Reign at the Little Creek Casino Events Center on Saturday, before returning to the Pavilion on May 18 for a match-up with the Edmonton Energy. A 7 p.m. tip-off is set for Whatcom Pavilion.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
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- Slam Shake off Slow Start to Edge Vancouver, 127-120 - Bellingham Slam
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