By Jeff Duncan
ProBasketballNews.com
The LA Lightning's debut was less than stellar as they lost back-to-back games to the Battle Creek Knights and didn't eclipse the 100-point mark in either contest. On April 18, 861 fans at the Gilbert Sports Arena saw the Lightning fall to the Knights 88-77.
Former NBA forward Lamond Murray paced the Lightning with 28 points and 12 rebounds. The only other player in double figures for L.A. was former Santa Barbara Breaker Fred Vinson, who had 10 points and 4 boards.
Battle Creek had five players in double figures, led
by Marcus Evans' 17 points and 8 rebounds.
The second matchup on April 19 was no better for
the Lightning. Battle Creek led from start to finish
and beat L.A. 118-93.
L.A. had six players in double figures lead by Vinson's 18 points. Battle Creek was lead by Eric Smith, who tallied 31 points. He was 6-of-12 beyond the
3-point line.
VALCANO WIN STREAK ERUPTS
The Vancouver Volcanoes' 10-game win streak came to a screeching halt in
front of 710 fans at Bellingham's Whatcom Pavilion. Bellingham destroyed Vancouver, 162-108 in a very up-tempo contest. Bellingham lead from start to finish and had seven players hit double digits. Ryan Diggs had a pro career high of 39 points, Chris Ferguson added 29, and Lukas Henne added 21 for Bellingham. Vancouver was lead by Josh Jackson's 23 points and the steady Porter Troup added 22.
SNOCO UPDATE
Snohomish County continues to revamp its roster and add coaches, but without Justin Murray and Rashaad Powell they have struggled to a 5-5 start. The defensive intensity is lacking this season so owner Nathan Mumm, a former college coach, joined head coach Randy Redwine on the bench in hopes of improving the defense.
SnoCo beat Tacoma 97-95, but then lost to the short-handed Portland Chinooks 129-127. Portland is still without David Lucas, David Jackson, and Shamgod Wells. I expected these two teams to play for the Western division title, and they still may, but they need their star players to return from overseas.
EASTERN UPDATE
Not much changed in the East over the weekend. Holland is still undefeated at 8-0, Elkhart is spotless at 3-0, and Gary keeps getting better with a 6-2 record. China, Las Vegas, and Edmonton have yet to play a game this season.
The Stars are scheduled to tip off their April 24 at the improved Windy City Soldiers. China was scheduled for an April 19 game but did not play. Their next scheduled game is April 25 against the Central Oregon Hotshots. Edmonton will host Bellingham April 26 at the MacEwan Centre for Sports and Wellness.
