Steelheads win again
February 7, 2006 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Gary Steelheads News Release
GARY, Indiana (February 7, 2006) "" In perhaps their most important victory of the CBA's 60th Anniversary Season, the Gary Steelheads defeated the Eastern Division-leading Rockford Lightning for the third time in five days, winning in overtime 127-124 at the MetroCentre in Rockford. The Steelheads improved their season record to a high watermark of 20-15, five games over .500. Gary also improved their record in overtime games to 4-0.
The Steelheads dug themselves a hole in the first half, losing both quarters and trailing 62-51 at the half. Then the Steelheads squeaked out a quarter point in the third quarter, 32-31, leaving Gary trailing by ten going into the final quarter. The Steelheads turned in an outstanding defensive quarter against the league's leading offensive team, holding the Lightning to 23 points while the Steelheads scored 33 points. When guard Jimmie "Snap" Hunter's final attempt missed the mark, regulation time ended with a 116-116 tie.
Power forward Carl Mitchell won the jump ball for the overtime, and forward Randy Holcomb connected on the first shot of the overtime to give the Steelheads the lead. Guard Cordell Henry put Rockford back in front 121-119 with a three pointer at 2:17 of the overtime. But Steelheads guard Brian Chase hit a three of his own, giving the Steelheads a 122-121 lead.
Rockford regained the lead, but newly-acquired Carl Mitchell grabbed a Robert Griffin miss and scored to put Gary back on top at 124-123 with :43 remaining. A technical foul shot tied the game, and Rockford's Henry missed a three pointer with :05 seconds left. That set the stage for guard Brian Chase, who drilled the game-winning three pointer with two seconds remaining.
The Steelheads were paced by guard Jimmie "Snap" Hunter, who scored 41 points against the Lightning for the second time this year at the MetroCentre. His was a double-double performance, with 10 rebounds and 6 assists. In addition to his game-winning heroics, Brian Chase set a new career high with 32 points for the winning Steelheads. He also handed out 9 assists. Forward Carl Mitchell contributed a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds for the winners, while forward Randy Holcomb added 17 points and five rebounds.
The Lightning were paced by guard Ronnie Fields, who connected for 30 points with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Cordell Henry, always tough on the Steelheads, scored 27 points with 5 assists.
The Steelheads, facing the traditional trapping defensive pressure from the Lightning, got to the foul line 51 times. They made 35 foul shots, while Rockford went 17-for-23. Rockford won the boards 58-55, but the Lightning also committed more turnovers (18-16).
The victory is the fourth straight for the Steelheads, and the fifth victory in Gary's last six games.
The Steelheads will return home to the Genesis Center on Friday and Saturday night to face the Albany Patroons. Children 12 and under will be admitted free to both games.
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