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Tropics stay hot, beat Orlando 119-94

January 13, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Miami Tropics News Release


In the words of Miami Tropics President Art "Pilin" Alvarez, the team has "tweaked" the roster by adding talented players as they become available.

On Friday night, the result of one of the most recent tweaks - 6-8 wing Jerron McCiskill - scored 13 points as the Tropics drilled host Orlando, 119-94.

The Tropics, ranked 7th in the ABA, improved to 13-4 and are 13-2 after their shaky start.

The ultra-athletic McCiskill was impressive, hammering home two dunks, including one reverse. He also added 6 rebounds and altered several shots by using his long arms and great leaping ability.

But as good as McCiskill was in his ABA debut, the Tropics were also powered by two players who have been with the team from their very first game - Carlos Escalera and Rodrigue Djahue.

With Pachi Cruz out with an Achilles' tendon injury, Escalera started at point guard and had 26 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. He had 18 of his points in the second half.

"He kind of took over the game in the second half," Tropics Coach Ed Auricchio said.

Djahue, meanwhile, had 10 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. He also added 3 assists and 3 blocks.

"Rodrigue is a guy who will rebound and defend, and now he is hitting shots consistently," Auricchio said. "He is a beast inside."

Auricchio said that Djahue is a perfect example of what he is looking for in a player. There were plenty of games this season when Djahue played little. But instead of complaining, Djahue worked harder.

And even when the Tropics added players, Djahue believed in his talent. And when given a chance on Friday - he got 24 minutes of playing time - Djahue made the most of his opportunity.

"We told our players we would do anything to win and that they have to play hard and practice hard if they want to earn time," Auricchio said. "Rodrigue took that to heart. He really took it seriously."

The Tropics also took Orlando seriously, especially after the Aces upset Jacksonville last week. The result was that the Tropics led from start to finish. The lead was 27-17 after one quarter, 50-44 at halftime and 88-63 after three.

The Tropics had six scorers in double figures. And all 11 Tropics players scored, including Terence Shelman and Ray Rose, who each had 14 points, and Marcus Barnes, who had 17. Barnes also did a great defensive job on Orlando's point guard.

The Tropics improved to 6-0 when center Karel Rosario starts. Rosario, who missed the previous two games after the birth of his first child, had 8 rebounds and 4 points.

Also chipping in were Rey Luque with 7 points and 5 rebounds; Andre Smith with 6 points; Sylbrin Robinson with 4 points and 5 blocks; and Eric Wilkins with 4 points.

Wilkins was playing well when he got a serious scare in the first half. He was undercut on an alley-oop play and fell on his head and back. He was rushed to the hospital, but was treated and released.

"He's OK now," Auricchio said. "But for awhile there, I don't think he knew what year it was."

Next up for the Tropics is Monday's home game against rival Jacksonville. Tip-off at Nova Southeastern University is 7:30 p.m. The winner will be alone in first place in the Southeast Division.

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.

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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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