Stevenson Leads Slam Rout of Japan Tornadoes, 142-106
June 16, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
TACOMA, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam returned to their winning ways with a 142-106 rout of the Japan Tornadoes in an International Basketball League game at Pierce College.
In what was by far their most competitive outing of their three match-ups with the Slam, the Tornadoes, bolstered by the addition of several American "import" players, jumped out to a seven-point lead midway through the first quarter and led 27-25 at the break.
The Slam finally found their groove in the second quarter, using a 23-7 run in the quarter to take a 48-37 lead with 3:25 left in the half. Bellingham carried a 56-41 lead into the intermission.
The Tornadoes stayed within striking distance well into the third quarter until a late run by the Slam in the period's final five minutes pushed their advantage from 17 to 27, at 103-76.
The fourth quarter was mostly procedural as neither team showed much intensity. Nine straight points from guards Drew Ready and Rico Wilkins made the score 139-102 with two minutes left.
Bellingham (12-2) was led by the 27 points of guard Jacob Stevenson, while Wilkins finished with 23. Center Blake Poole posted another double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Japan (1-12) guard Marcus Bradford forced his was into position as the game's scoring leader with 40 points on 15-for-41 shooting. Guard Masa Kataoka was the leading Japanese player on the squad with 13 points.
The Slam return home for their next game on Friday, June 21 when they entertain the Vancouver Volcanoes. A 7 p.m. tip-off is set for Whatcom Pavilion.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com .
• Discuss this story on the International Basketball League message board...
International Basketball League Stories from June 16, 2013
- Stevenson Leads Slam Rout of Japan Tornadoes, 142-106 - Bellingham Slam
- Chinooks Take Down Conference Contender - Portland Chinooks
- Portland Shoots Down Japan - Portland Chinooks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
