Slam Survive Scare, Defeat Oregon 132-121

Published on June 5, 2009 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release


BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam used a triple-double from Tyler Amaya as they held off the Oregon Waves, 132-121, in International Basketball League action at Whatcom Pavilion on Friday.

The Waves led for most of the first half and portions of the third quarter before succumbing to Bellingham's depth in the fourth quarter. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Jake Linton gave the Slam a narrow 68-63 lead at halftime.

It appeared the two teams would be tied going into the fourth quarter, before Calin Schell scored four points in the third's final two seconds to give the Slam 98-94 lead.

The Waves stayed within striking distance for much of the final quarter, before Bellingham was able to push their lead to ten, at 122-112, with three minutes left on a shot by Jacob Stevenson. An Ira Graham three-pointer with just over a minute left put the Slam up by 11 and erased any hope of a final-minute Oregon comeback.

Ryan Diggs led the Slam in scoring for the second straight game, this time putting up 26 points. Stevenson and Graham added 22 and 21 points, respectively, while Amaya's triple-double consisted of 18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Oregon, which dressed just eight players for the game, got a combined 80 points from its top three players - 30 from Robert Day, 22 from Jeremiah Dominguez, and 20 from Brad Kanis.

The Slam return to action on June 12 against the Seattle Mountaineers. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.



International Basketball League Stories from June 5, 2009


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