The Tacoma Tide were up against a roster including 6 players with NBA experience on the last night of the regular season. The matchup sparked some extra fan support as fans came to check out how Tacoma’s finest would do against guys like Byron Russell (13 years with Utah Jazz) and other NBA veterans. With a five point victory, Tacoma can be proud of their boys as they head into the IBL Playoffs as the 7th seed.
The story going into the final home game of the season was how the Tide could handle the experiences pros for Los Angeles. The story after the first whistle was instead about the youth of the Tide showing strong. Antwan Williams, with no professional experience showed the Lightning veterans what the "new school" is all about. Williams exploded onto the scene with great passes, explosive finishes, and mid-range floaters that left the crowd in awe. In addition, the University of Puget Sound graduate sparked the Tide to some lock-down defense that stifled L.A. and allowed the home team to gain a cushion of double digits.
Like the pros that they are, the Lightning kept close. The lead yo-yoed from double digits down to as few as 1 point late in the game. The Lightning needed a win to keep the 2nd seed in the upcoming playoffs. However, with the seed on the line, they kept a close eye on their star’s minutes as they rested aged star, Byron Russell, who played less than 20 minutes on the night. In addition, leading scorer, and L.A. Clippers alum, Lamond Murray, and sharp shooting ex-Sonic, Fred Vinson did not make the trip. Murray and Vinson will meet up with their Lightning teammates on Thursday for their second round game (after the first round bye). With those stars coming back into the lineup, the Tide were playing to not match up against the NBA riddled team in the 2nd round. Instead, with the win, the Tide earned a possible matchup against Bellingham, who they beat on June 25.
Quentin Nolen takes a charge against Chris Ayer of L.A. / Nolen finished with 10pts & 9 rebs
The Tide victory was a perfect finish to their inaugural regular season. Like the team has done all year long, the Tide won with team defense and shared scoring. Williams helped distribute to his teammates as well as score himself. The point guard scored 21 points, while his back court mate, Justin Murray scored 20. Dontay Harris had a handful Tuesday night with their matchup against 7’0" center, Adam Parada. Parada dominated the 1st half with 16 points, but Harris would get the best as he fouled out the Lightning big man while scoring 23 points.
The International Basketball League playoffs will be hosted by Snohomish County. The tourney will be held at the Monroe Sports Arena at 17001 Tester Rd., Monroe, WA 98272. The Tide’s first round game will be Wednesday at 5pm. If they beat the Central Oregon Hotshots, a team they handled 116-84 on June 17, they’ll play against the Bellingham Slam on Thursday at noon. For news and notes on the playoffs, check in here at www.TacomaTideSports.com.
For stats from Tuesday night, click HERE
