Pittsburgh Xplosion lose 122-115
March 18, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Pittsburgh Xplosion News Release
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Xplosion's first season in the ABA ended tonight with a 122-115 second-round playoff loss to the visiting Bellingham Slam at the Petersen Events Center. Using a full-court press most of the second half, Pittsburgh (18-12) surged back from a 24 point deficit to tie the game at 109 with less then 4 minutes remaining in the game, but Bellingham (20-14) held on for the victory.
Bellingham guard Caleb Gervin led all players with 34 points and forward Mike Parker had 32 for the Slam. Forward DeVaughn Halsel led Pittsburgh with 21 points and 11 rebounds; Armon Gilliam had 17 points and 9 rebounds and Ike Jefferson had 16 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists for the Xplosion.
Bellingham now advances to the quarterfinals of ABA's Great Eight Tournament next Wednesday, March 22, in Rochester, N.Y.
The Xplosion had earned a first-round playoff bye as the ABA's 6th-ranked team; the team's last regular season game was on Feb. 28. In February 2006, Pittsburgh's new ABA franchise announced that it will return next year.
For more information on the Pittsburgh Xplosion and the ABA playoffs, visit www.pittsburghxplosion.com or www.abalive.com on the Internet.
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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American Basketball Association Stories from March 18, 2006
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