Steelheads Fall at Oklahoma, 101-96
June 7, 2007 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
Gary Steelheads News Release
GARY, Indiana (June 7, 2007) - The Gary Steelheads began their current USBL road trip, falling on the short end of a 101-96 verdict at the Mark Price Arena in Enid, Oklahoma. The victory ended a six-game losing streak for Oklahoma and was the team's first win in 25 days.
The Storm responded to to their return home from a long road trip by breaking out to a 10-4 lead. But then forward Jamario Moon dunked in a field goal, followed by two free throws by guard Carl Edwards and a three-point play by Adam Schaper as Gary scored seven straight points for an 11-10 lead. The Storm scored to take the lead, ending the first quarter ahead 23-20.
Oklahoma rebuilt its lead to nine points at 31-22, but Gary scored nine of the next 11 points to pull within two at 33-31. Recently-acquired swingman Michael Cuffey then hit four long jumpers in a row to restore Oklahoma's lead to 41-33. The Storm took a 45-39 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Steelheads hit 17-of-21 free throws to stay in the game. Cuffey paced all scorers with 12 points, while Jared Merrill added 11 for the Storm. Jamario Moon scored eight first-half points to pace Gary.
Gary pulled even early in the third quarter, following a pair of three-point baskets. But by the quarter's end, the Steelheads had surrendered more ground. Despite seven points from rookie Adam Schaper, Gary trailed 75-67.
Oklahoma increased its lead to 80-69 early in the fourth quarter, but Gary made a run. Trailing 89-79, Gary scored six unanswered points as Moon hit for two field goals and guard Louis White added two free throws. The Storm fought off Gary's advance, but the Steelheads pulled back within four again following two free throws by guard Carl Edwards with 38 seconds.
The Steelheads then got a defensive stop, with guard Louis White being fouled on the rebound. White closed the gap to 98-96, hitting both charity tosses with 10 seconds remaining. Edwards took his sixth foul with nine seconds left, and guard Joe Adkins hit both free throws for a 100-96 Oklahoma lead. But after a timeout, Moon threw away the inbounds pass. This gave the ball back to the Storm and assured the victory.
Moon paced all scorers with 26 points for the Steelheads. White added 22 points, including 14-of-16 from the line. Edwards added 15 and Schaper tossed in 14 points, his first double-digit game on the road as a pro.
Oklahoma was paced by Michael Cuffey with 20 points. Former Steelheads' swingman Ray Cunningham, traded to Oklahoma prior to the game, responded with 17 points for the winners. Jarred Merrill, also playing in his first game with the Storm, tossed in 17.
Gary drove to the basket the entire game, generating half of their points from the line. Gary hit 48-of-57 from the free throw line, hitting .842 in charity tosses. The two teams combined for 100 free throw attempts. Gary narrowly prevailed on the boards, 34-33.
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United States Basketball League Stories from June 7, 2007
- Steelheads Fall at Oklahoma, 101-96 - Gary Steelheads
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