Slam Use Second Half Rally to Defeat Salem, 131-112
Published on May 25, 2013 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
SALEM, Ore. - The Bellingham Slam used a gutsy second-half effort to defeat the Salem Sabres, 131-112, at Chemeketa Community College on Friday night.
To start the game the Slam looked as sluggish as Friday's traffic on I-5, allowing the Sabres to race out to a 17-9 lead in the opening minutes. Despite the defensive lapses, the Slam had their moments, using a 10-0 run in the period's middle stages to take a 23-20 lead before Salem rallied to lead 43-37 at the quarter break.
The two teams played a nearly-even second quarter with Salem outscoring Bellingham 28-26 to account for a 71-63 halftime advantage.
The turning point of the game occurred late in the third quarter, when center Blake Poole hit back-to-back three-pointers to send the Slam into the fourth quarter with a 98-94 lead.
The Slam extended that advantage to 115-96 with a 17-2 run to start the fourth. Bellingham's defense held Salem to 14 fourth quarter points to preserve the victory.
Bellingham (8-1) was led in scoring by Poole and guard Rico Wilkins, who scored 34 points apiece. The Slam prevailed despite being hampered by a short bench as just seven players suited up for the game.
Salem (2-5) was led in scoring by forward Cory Largent with 24 points
Wilkins has enjoyed his two best nights of his short pro career in Salem, as he had 27 points in the two teams' first meeting at Chemeketa on May 4, a 143-101 win for the Slam.
The Slam returns home on Monday for a Memorial Day contest against the Portland Chinooks, in a rematch of the 2012 IBL Championship game. A 5 p.m. Tip-off is set for Whatcom Pavilion.
International Basketball League Stories from May 25, 2013
- Slam Use Second Half Rally to Defeat Salem, 131-112 - Bellingham Slam
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