Despite 35 And 11 From Corey Minnifield, Pittsburgh Xplosion Still Fall To Albany Patroons 112-109 - CBA

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MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - ALBANY, NY - February 13, 2007 – Newcomer Corey Minnifield went off for 35 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Pittsburgh (3-27), which was without the services of three starters due to injury, but American Conference leader Albany (18-10) used an 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter to pull out a 112-109 victory in Continental Basketball Association action at the Washington Avenue Armory.

The Xplosion were forced to play the game without three of its most consistent regulars. CBA Rookie of the Year candidate Kevin Pittsnogle missed his third straight game with a hyper-extended elbow, guard Shawn Hawkins was idle with a sprained ankle and forward Greg Jenkins was placed on injured reserve prior to the contest.

Despite the short bench, the Black and Gold rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to tie the game after three quarters, 83-83, and held a lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Xplosion surged back into the game in the third quarter outscoring the Patroons, 38-30, in the frame.

Albany’s late push made the difference in the game. With the contest knotted at 96, the Patroons spurted out on an 8-0 run to create enough spacing to hold on to win the quarter, 29-26, and the game, 112-109.

The first quarter stayed tight early on and the Xplosion led by four, 22-18, with 4:01 remaining, the Patroons, however used a13-2 run to close out the opening frame and capture the first quarter, 31-24. The second period was a low scoring frame in which Albany squeaked out the quarter point, 22-21. Albany held an eight point advantage at intermission, 53-45.

The Patroons won the game and three of four quarters to pick up six of seven available quarter points.

Dajuan Tate added 20 points for Pittsburgh. Rob Griffin chipped in with 18 and Lewis Monroe netted 16. Albany was paced by 25 points and eight rebounds from All-Star Jamario Moon. T.J. Thompson netted 23 points for the Patroons.