PORTLAND, Ore. – It was a showdown of the top two teams in the International Basketball League’s West Division, and the Portland Chinooks had the advantage of being the host team.
No matter to the Everett Explosion, which snagged an impressive 124-99 road victory on Sunday afternoon to further solidify its hold on first place in the division race.
“It was a very successful trip,” said Everett head coach Randy Redwine. “We’re in first place all by ourselves.”
Everett came into the game with a 9-2 record, and Portland was right behind in the standings at 10-4. The teams seemed closely matched, which is how the first half unfolded with a 57-57 score at halftime.
In the third quarter, though, Everett went to a 2-2-1 full-court zone press and the strategy helped the Explosion seize the momentum and break the game open.
The Explosion was led by Rashaad Powell, Donald Watts and Justin Murray, all with 21 points. Murray added 10 rebounds and five assists, and Powell tacked on four assists.
Justin James chipped in 18 points. Marco Morgan had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Tyler Amaya delivered seven points, seven rebounds and three assists in his first game with the team. He signed a contract on Friday.
“He had a heck of a game for his first time playing with us,” Redwine said. “He’ll be able to help us a lot. He’s a very skilled player, a team player and he knows the game.”
The win was Everett’s sixth in a row, “and to be totally honest with you, the team has been jelling more and more each week we play,” Redwine said. “Everybody is contributing.”
For the boxscore, see Scoreboard, Page C4.
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