Xplosion defeat East Kentucky, 115-111
February 23, 2008 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Pittsburgh Xplosion News Release
PITTSBURGH, February 23, 2008 - Led by John DeGroat's 28 points, the Pittsburgh Xplosion cemented their second place spot in the American Conference with a 115-111 win over the East Kentucky Miners tonight at the Petersen Events Center.
With Pittsburgh leading, 113-111, Chaz McCrommon stripped East Kentucky's Josh Pace with five seconds remaining and hit two free throws to ice the game.
"We were telling the guys to stay off at end," head coach Carlos Knox said. "But, instinctively, you want to make a play."
The Miners hung tough throughout, though they never led. The Xplosion held East Kentucky at arm's length, with their lead ranging from five to 14 points in the second half.
"It is very tough in that situation because one or two plays can open the game up for you, but one or two plays can cause it to shrink," Knox said.
The Miners finally managed to break through that barrier with 3:00 remaining on a pair of James Jackson free throws to cut the lead to 106-103. While the Xplosion still held the lead, East Kentucky inched closer, even cutting the lead to one on a Jason McLeish lay-in with 25 seconds to play. Devaughn Halsel hit one of two free throws in his first game back to set up McCrommon's defensive stop.
McCrommon finished with 22 points. Point guard Lincoln Glass added 12 points and 12 assists.
The Xplosion won five quarter points and are off until a trip to Atlanta next Friday night.
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