Slam snap losing skid with 110-104 win over Beijing
January 6, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Bellingham Slam News Release
AZUSA, Calif. - The Bellingham Slam used a balanced attack to end a two-game losing streak and salvage the final game of their three-game road trip, defeating the Beijing Olympian 110-104 in an American Basketball Association contest at the Felix Events Center in Azusa, Calif. on Saturday night.
The Slam, having played the previous two nights in two different cities, showed no fatigue as they jumped out to a 6-0 lead thanks to three straight baskets by Jacob Stevenson. But Beijing was able to regroup and take an eight point lead in midway though the second quarter, at 44-36.
Fortunately for the Slam, that would be Beijing's largest lead of the game, as they were able to take control for the final 5:30 of the second quarter to go into halftime leading 53-49, thanks to a 17-5 run to close out the half.
Bellingham (13-5) built its lead as high as 18 in the second half, before former Seattle Sonic Fred Vinson went to work and single-handedly brought Beijing back into the game. Vinson scored 20 second half points, helping Beijing claw back to within three, at 105-102, with 1:43 to play. But they would get no closer, as they were unable to score again until Vinson hit a meaningless jumper with five seconds left.
The win improved the Slam's record against Beijing this season to 3-0, but was their first road win against the Olympian in three tries since both clubs joined the ABA in 2005.
Six players scored in double figures for the Slam, with Mike Parker and Brandon Hartley leading the way with 23 points each. The Slam overcame a 56-38 rebounding deficit by committing just nine turnovers, a season low.
Vinson led the way for Beijing (6-8), netting 44 points. Jerry Dupree added a double-double, scoring 18 points and collecting 11 rebounds.
The Slam return home to begin a seven-game home stand next week, taking on the King County Royals on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.
For more information, call the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit 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 January 6, 2007
- Slam snap losing skid with 110-104 win over Beijing - Bellingham Slam
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- Sound Finish Off Nighthawks, Win 119-109 - Strong Island Sound
- Slam drop second straight in dramatic fashion, 109-107 to Heatwave - Bellingham Slam
- Riverhawks lead wire to wire in 108-79 victory over Rockstars - Quad City Riverhawks
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