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Surf Stun Mexicali Soles in 23-pt comeback win, 77-74

August 31, 2012 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
San Diego Surf News Release


Looking for redemption from a 113-79 loss in Game 2 of a 3 game series against the Mexicali Soles, the San Diego Surf were not going to go down without a fight in Game 2...and a fight it was! The Surf won the first game against the Soles by 5 points in Ensenada, Mexico the prior week. The Soles play in Mexico's top professional league

LNBP, and are one of the best teams in Mexico.

Right out of the gate both teams displayed a tenacious defense that kept the 1st quarter scoring low ompared to the previous day Game 2. While the Mexicali Soles and San Diego Surf matched each other's level of energy on the defensive end, it was the ability to find open shots and knock them down at a high percentage that put the Soles on top 23-10 at the end of 1.

The second quarter was much more of the same. The Soles continued to hit shot after shot while the Surf still struggled to get an offensive rhythm going. An early lack of cohesiveness on the offensive side and inability to slow the Soles shooting down started giving fans flashbacks of game 2 as the Soles at one point had a 23-pt lead, eventually settling down to a 47-30 halftime score. However, The Soles great shooting was the highlight of the 1st half until Surf Head Coach Shaun Manning let it be known he was looking out for his team after a missed call where Surf Guard Aaron Tinsley was nearly injured on a fastbreak and on the other end of the floor a touch foul was called on the Surf.

With the game dwindling into memory lane, the San Diego Surf found renewed energy and motivation and rallied around Coach Manning's intensity in the 2nd half. The Surf's aggressive attack of the rim coupled with a more loosely officiated 2nd half allowed the Surf to climb back into the game. A 27-11 run in the 3rd quarter brought the fans back into the game and the Surf were determined to finish their comeback, going into the 4th down 1, 58-57.

The 4th quarter was nothing short of a stellar performance by both teams. Both teams were playing with a focus and energy that more closely resembled playoff intensity than a preseason exhibition. Scoring went back and forth. When the Surf made a stop on defense, the Soles made a stop, when the Surf hit clutch shots, the Soles answered right back with clutch plays; This game wasn't going to end pleasantly for one team. Toward the last few minutes of the game, emotions began to flare up again and with 21 seconds left of play, the Surf followed through with a clutch 3-point play, putting them ahead 75-74. After the timeout, on an inbounds play, the Soles turned the ball over on a controversial call of technicality, in which the Soles player did not establish both feet in the back court before receiving the pass. Both benches were stunned and the Surf stole the game with clutch free throws and another key defensive stop at the buzzer, winning 77-74.

The Surf are in their 4th season in the ABA and their intensity and emotional play displayed why San Diego Surf basketball is becoming a hot ticket and looks to be a very entertaining upcoming season.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.



American Basketball Association Stories from August 31, 2012


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.

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