Tacoma Tide vs Central Oregon Hotshots
Round 1 of 2009 IBL Playoffs
Tipoff – 5:00pm
Monroe Sports Arena
Starters:
Tide
Quentin Nolen
Dontay Harris
Lorenzo Rollins
Justin Murray
Antwan Williams
Hotshots
11- Travis Noble
34-Damian Browne
44-Jimmy Watts
23-Dean Browne
22-Riley Luettgerodt
Quentin Nolen, started in place of Jajuan Winesberry, out of town, and scored the Tide’s first 4 pts. Both teams started a little tight and the shooting strokes were off. The teams had combined for just 8 points in the first 5 minutes. With 6:05 left in 1st quarter, Dontay Harris drove and was fouled for an and-1. The play helped the Tide to relax and get settled in. Dontay scored the next 6 points for the Tide and dove to the floor to grab a loose ball and flip it up to Justin Murray for a reverse layin and a 12-8 lead.
Tide defense was the difference in the 1st quarter forcing turnovers that led to easy buckets as well as throwing the Hotshots out of their rhythm. The Central Oregon team re-gathered themselves well to put a run together and finish the period with a three point buzzer beater from the baseline by Dean Browne.
1st – Tide 20 - 18 Hotshots
Both teams’ cold shooting continued in the 2nd quarter. The Tide buckets nearly all came off of their transition game, cued by defensive plays. The Tide lead hovered around 5 points until Lorenzo Rollins and Justin Murray each picked off a pass to go the other way for easy layin. The Tide led 34-23 with six minutes and change remaining. The easy baskets seemed to shake off the Tide cobwebs. Tacoma spurted out to 19 point advantage. Chris Hunt, of the Hotshots would was able to give Central Oregon some answers and keep a comeback within view. Hunt finished the 1st half with 7 points but they all came on successive possessions near the 2 minute mark of the 2nd quarter.
Dontay Harris got the Tide started and finished the half with 9 points while Justin Murray finished off the half with some hot shooting behind the arc to tally 18 points and 8 rebounds after the first 24 minutes. The telling statistic for the Tide’s first half of the IBL playoffs was a 19-5 advantage in points off turnovers.
2nd – Tide 51 – 41 Hotshots
Like the 1st half, Q-Nolen started strong. This time he stepped out further to knock down a 3 pointer from the wing. Nolen’s 10 first half rebounds is the type of performance the Tide will need from him if they’re to make a push in these IBL Playoffs.
The 3rd quarter was a period without much rhythm for either side. The Tide had a few nice plays that kept the lead at a comfortable 15 points, but were not at the full stride that will be necessary against the Bellingham Slam. The Slam, who are the defending champions of the IBL, await the winner of this Tide vs Hotshots 1st Round contest.
Chris Hyppa announced his return to the Tide lineup, after resting an injured groin over the past few games, with some nice pull-ups for two long range makes. His contrasting teammate, Harris, continued to dominate the smaller Hotshots lineup for tough points inside. The emotional Tide leader had 18 pts through the 3rd quarter as the Tide
With a close eye on the rest of the playoffs ahead, Tide coaches, Mark Lovelady and Bob Niehl swapped players as often as possible and relied heavily on their bench as this game became comfortably in hand. Josh Barsh was especially good off the bench as he allowed Tide starters to rest easy with an instant 8 points in his first 3 shots.
3rd - Tide 87 – 67 Hotshots
Tide starters returned to the floor to assure the victory and help add to their impressive numbers for the night. The win was a team effort, but their leading scorer on the season, Justin Murray, continued to shine with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Donte Harris went 8/12 from the free throw line and finished with 20 pts. Nolen grabbed 14 boards, and Hyppa dished out 8 assists.
FINAL – Tacoma Tide 117 – 98 Central Oregon Hotshots
The Tide’s hot streak is now 6 wins in their last 8 games. The Tide also have wins over two of the top 3 seeds and have to be considered a legitimate contender for the IBL Title. The Tide will match up against the reigning champs Thursday at noon for the quarterfinals. The Tide defeated Bellingham a week ago in an exciting overtime thriller. A ticket link is available on TacomaTideSports.com or they can be bought at the door. Tickets are $10 for general admission.
