Steelheads' nine-game win streak ends in Rockford, 123-120 in OT
February 21, 2006 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Gary Steelheads News Release
It was an evening of firsts for the Gary Steelheads. Their 123-120 overtime loss in Rockford Tuesday night was the team's first loss in the month of February. It ended a franchise record-tying nine-game winning streak for the team. The loss also was Gary's first loss in overtime this year, having won their four previous overtime games.
It was clear from the opening tip that this would be a tight game. The Steelheads won the first quarter 27-25, but the Lightning bounced back outscoring the Steelheads 33-25 and taking a 58-52 lead to the locker room at half. Guard Jimmie "Snap" Hunter paced Gary with 13 points, while center Chris Alexander hit 5-of-6 field goal attempts for 12 first half points.
The two teams played to a third quarter stalemate of 29 apiece, giving the Steelheads a six-point deficit going into the final quarter. They made up the deficit 28-22, forcing the overtime. But an old nemesis, Lightning guard Ronnie Fields, hit a shot and was fouled with six seconds left in the overtime to break a 120-120 tie. Fields hit the foul shot, and when "Snap" Hunter missed on a three pointer, Rockford ended a streak of their own...a four-game losing streak. Gary picked up 2ý quarter points in the defeat.
The Steelheads were paced by Hunter, who tossed in 44 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a losing cause. Hunter's effort ranks as the fourth highest scoring effort in the CBA this year and is the third time he has scored 41 points or better at Rockford this season. Hunter's incredible free throw streak, which extended over seven games, ended at 54 straight. He hit 17-of-19 from the line.
Forward Carl Mitchell tossed in 19 points with 7 rebounds for the Steelheads, with guard Brian Chase contributing 15 and center Chris Alexander contributing a double-double with a CBA career high 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lightning got 30 points from Fields, who also handed out 5 assists. Guard Cordell Henry added 22 and forward Brant Bailey scored 14 for the winners.
The Steelheads played without All-Star MVP forward Randy Holcomb for the fourth straight game, sidelines with a groin injury. The Lightning played without All Star guard Marlon Parmer, sidelined with an injury.
The Steelheads were outrebounded 55-49, while turnovers were even at 15. In another physical game between the two teams, Gary hit 37-of-45 free throw attempts while Rockford managed 20-of-27. Rockford made up for the discrepancy with 9 more field goals, hitting 48-of-99 while Gary managed 39-of-84.
The Steelheads travel to Sioux Falls tomorrow night for their final regular-season meeting with the defending CBA champion Skyforce.
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