Steelheads Defeat Delaware 107-91, Improve USBL Record to 3-0
April 18, 2007 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
Gary Steelheads News Release
GARY, Indiana (April 17, 2007) - The Gary Steelheads remained undefeated in USBL play, following a 107-91 victory over the Delaware Starz at the Genesis Center Tuesday night. The victory was achieved despite the absence of forward Jamario Moon, center Chris Alexander, and the USBL's leading scorer, swingman Rob Griffin.
The Starz, an expansion team playing its first USBL game, made a determined effort to achieve victory. When 7-foot-4 center Matt Salansky connected on the opening field goal of the game, the Steelheads found themselves behind in a game for the first time in the franchise's brief USBL history. That lasted for 1:28, when the Steelheads tied the game on a Louis White free throw. When White connected on the second free throw, the Steelheads took the lead at 3-2. They would never relinquish it.
At the same time, the Steelheads could never feel comfortable with the lead. Every time Gary would extend their lead to double digits, the Starz would go on a run to close the gap. Indeed, the 107 points scored by the Steelheads was the team's lowest offensive output on the season to date. However, Gary held their third straight opponent under 100 points and under 38 percent shooting from the field.
Despite the absence of three key teammates, the Steelheads placed seven players in double figures. Pacing the attack was guard Akeem Clark, just signed to fill a vacant roster spot the day of the game. In just 19 minutes, Clark fired in 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting. He hit 5-for-7 three-point tries for the evening.
While the performance was remarkable strictly on those terms, it wasn't until after the game that the media learned just how remarkable his effort really was. It was then that Clark disclosed how he had played the game after learning of the death of his brother. Incredibly, the 6-3 product of IUPUI did not commit a turnover the entire evening!
Clark had plenty of support, as six of his teammates joined him in double figures. Guard Louis White scored 16 points, including 10-for-10 from the foul line. Forward Jermaine Blackburn added 13 points with a game-high 13 rebounds, while forward Marlowe Currie and center Chris Garnett added 12 points. Swingman Ray Cunningham and forward Adam Schaper chipped in 10 points apiece.
The Steelheads controlled the boards 61-44, with Garnett adding 12 carums. Currie and Schaper grabbed 8 apiece. Turnovers continued problematic for the Steelheads, who committed 25 while forcing 15 by the Starz.
With the victory, Gary improved its record to a league-best 3-0. The Steelheads will host the Kansas Cagerz at the Genesis Center on Thursday night.
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