THE EXPLOSION'S JUSTIN JAMES pulls down a rebound during first quarter action against the Vancouver Volcanoes Saturday night in Monroe. The Explosion, having fallen to the Bellingham Slam 116 to 106 on Friday night, dropped their fourth game of the season to the Volcanoes. The loss put the Explosion in third place. Poor free throw shooting and a weak second half defense led to the Explosion's demise. Donald Watts led the Explosion with 20 points. Photo by Adrian Johnson
Explosion 100, Vancouver Volcanoes 113
It was a tale of two halves as the Snohomish County Explosion fell 100-113 to the West Division-leading Vancouver Volcanoes Saturday night at Monroe Sports Arena. The Explosion led by 12 points at the half as they shot a torrid 56% from the floor including 7 of 15 from beyond the three point line. Meanwhile they held the Volcanoes to 28% shooting in the first half. The Volcanoes avoided a larger halftime deficit by shooting 8 for 16 from the three point line and also by connecting on 12 of 14 free throws. Chris Keller provided a spark off the bench in the second quarter by going 6 for 8 from the floor with two three pointers for the Explosion.
The second half was a different game. The Volcanoes opted to play a 2-3 zone defense which the Explosion couldn’t crack. Forced to shoot from the outside, the Explosion only managed to hit on 1 of 26 three point attempts in the half. Despite only bringing eight players to the game, the Volcanoes managed to outscore the Explosion by 25 in the second half. Six Volcanoes scored in double figures led by the 30 points of Kevin Tyner. Tyner also led the Volcanoes with 11 rebounds and six assists. Brad Lechtenberg added 27 for Vancouver on 7 of 11 from long range.
The Explosion also had six players in double figures. Donald Watts led the charge with 20 and Keller totaled 19 points. Jermaine Blackburn provided the only double-double for the Explosion with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Blackburn also dished out five assists.
The win improves Vancouver to 6-1 and drops the Explosion to 4-4 on the season.
Score by periods:
Volcanoes / 18 / 28 / 27 / 40 / Total: 113
Explosion / 25 / 33 / 13 / 29 / Total: 100
Explosion 106, Bellingham Slam 116
The backcourt combo of Jacob Stevenson and Ryan Diggs combined to score 68 points as the Bellingham Slam came from behind to defeat the Snohomish County Explosion, 116-106, in an International Basketball League game last Friday evening in Bellingham.
The Explosion had a great first half with a 57-48 lead over the Slam to see the lead evaporate with a 39-21 foul differential from the line mostly coming in the fourth quarter. The Explosion had a good night with Justin James who had a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, as Jamie Booker lead all scorers with 19 points. Jermiane Blackburn had 16 points, his Explosion season low, Donald Watts had 18 points and Jamaal Miller had 16 points and 6 assists.
Score by periods:
Slam / 25 / 23 / 33 / 35 / Total 116
Explosion / 24 /33 /24 / 25 / Total 106
The Explosion is in action again at 7:15 p.m. next Saturday, April 12 versus the Jazz of Tacoma at the Monroe Sports Arena at Monroe High School. Tickets are available by calling (425) 339-BALL.
Kirby released
Explosion general manager, Brad Sturlaugson, announced last week that guard Sam Kirby has been released from the team. Kirby has received an offer to be a part of the coaching staff at Shoreline Community College. "I am sad to see Sam leave, he is a quality individual, and I know that he will flourish with the new opportunity. We as an organization wish him the best," stated Sturlaugson.