Tropics Defeat Number Three Jacksonville For Fourth Straight Time

December 30, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Miami Tropics News Release


On Thursday, the Tropics watched the movie "Invincible."

On Friday, the Tropics were invincible, beating the host Jacksonville Jam, 110-107.

Invincible, for those who haven't seen it, is the inspirational, true story of former Philadelphia Eagles special-teams standout Vince Papale. The Tropics watched the film on the bus ride up to Jacksonville.

After a night's rest, the Tropics won their 5th game in a row and 11th in 12 games. The Tropics (11-3) have a winning record against every team they have played, including 4-1 and 4 in a row over Jacksonville. The Jam (12-4) would be unbeaten if not for the Tropics.

The Tropics, who are 6-0 on the road, are now off for the new year and return to the court on Jan. 5 with a return trip to Jacksonville.

That should be another huge game in what has become a fierce rivalry. Tropics owner and president Art "Pilin" Alvarez said the atmosphere was charged up for Friday's game after his team was not allowed a morning shoot-around and then was forced to check out of its hotel at 1 p.m. and spent three hours hanging around the lobby instead of resting.

By the time the tip-off arrived, the intensity manifested itself in some pushing and shoving. One player from each side was ejected - starting centers Karel Rosario for the Tropics and Anthony Holley for the Jam - before order was restored.

"I want to congratulate the referees for taking control of the game," Alvarez said. "It was a very intense game, but at the end of the day, both teams hugged at midcourt."

The game was even throughout, with 12 ties and 18 lead changes. The Tropics led 32-30 after one quarter, it was tied at 61 at halftime, and the Tropics were up 88-87 after three.

"Carlos Escalera carried us in the first half," Tropics Coach Ed Auricchio said of his star shooting guard, who had 16 of his 23 points before intermission. "On one three-point try, he ended up in the first row on a fan's lap - but he still made the shot."

The second half belonged to 6-7 forward Angelo Reyes, who finished the game with 30 points and 9 rebounds.

"They couldn't stop him inside," Auricchio said. "And he got some very big rebounds in traffic. He was motivated. It was his best game of the season."

And that is exactly what the Tropics needed inside because Rosario was ejected, backup Rodrigue Djahue (7 points) fouled out and star forward Terence Shelman (8 points, 6 rebounds) didn't put up his usual flashy numbers.

Unsung heroes for the Tropics were forward Sylbrin Robinson and guard Eric Wilkins. Robinson played heavy minutes (38). And although he only scored 3 points, he added 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks.

Wilkins scored 12 points, impressing Auricchio.

"He was fantastic," the coach said. "He was our best rebounding guard. He kept alot of balls alive and got a couple of fast-break dunks. He played with great energy."

The key to the game was the Tropics' shooting. Miami shot 55 percent from the field, including 8 of 16 three-pointers. In contrast, the Jam made just 4 of 11 three-pointers.

But the game will be remembered for its intensity. The Jam had a chance to tie or take the lead with 8.9 seconds left, but missed both free throws.

"I have been coaching for 25 years," Auricchio said. "And I've never seen a game so charged up. It was a zoo. I'm just glad we came out on top again. Hopefully the league will recognize how we have beaten their third ranked team 4 out of 5."

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 December 30, 2006


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