BEAVERTON, Ore. – Jacob Stevenson’s three-point play with 1:20 left keyed a come-from-behind victory for the Bellingham Slam over the Oregon Waves, 147-138, in International Basketball League play in Beaverton, Ore. Saturday night.
After Oregon’s Jeremiah Dominguez converted a three-point play of his own with 1:31 left to give his team their first lead of the second half, at 138-136, Stevenson took over and scored the next seven points. Solid defense and a pair of free throws by Ira Graham preserved the victory.
Offense was the name of the game in the first quarter, as both teams combined for 79 points with a 44-35 Oregon advantage.
Oregon continued to lead for nearly all of the second quarter before the Slam scored six points in the last two minutes to briefly take a two-point lead. A Dominguez runner at the second quarter buzzer sent both teams to their locker rooms tied at 76.
The third quarter once again proved to be the Slam’s best of the game, as they outscored the Waves 40-29 to take an 11-point lead into the final period.
Oregon steadily chipped into the Slam’s advantage in the fourth quarter, tying the game four times but never taking the lead until Dominguez’s successful three-point play in the final minutes.
Stevenson finished with 30 points and ten rebounds to lead the Slam in both categories. Graham and Tyler Amaya both chipped in 27.
Dominguez led Oregon with 28 points, while David Lucas and Robert Day each had 27.
The victory assures the Slam will receive a bye in next week’s IBL playoff tournament in Monroe, Wash. The Slam will begin with second-round action on July 2 against an opponent to be determined.
The Slam get little time off as they return to Bellingham to face the top-ranked Edmonton Energy in their regular season finale on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
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