By Dave Topp
With a franchise record 143 points in regulation time, the Bay Area Shuckers cruised to victory over the visiting Hudson Valley Kingz, 143-117.
Six different Shuckers (9-4) recorded double figures in scoring, while Rocky Coleman led the way with a 33-point performance on February 16.
“I think it speaks to balance in particular,” Shuckers coach Bob Topp said. “We have guys we can bring off the bench to make major contributions.”
The Shuckers, in part with the Winchester Storm’s loss to Rockville Victors, clinched at least a tie for the Colonial Division title. Bay Area also set a franchise record for largest margin of victory with the 26-point defeat of the Kingz.
Hudson Valley (6-4) jumped out to a 10-2 lead to begin the game. Dayvon Whitaker and Alvin Vivican scored 13 and nine points respectively in the first quarter for the Kingz. They were countered by Coleman’s first-quarter 15 points.
“I was a little frustrated [with] the way I’ve been playing the last two games. I felt like I could’ve [done] better,” Coleman said. “So I wanted to come out and give it a hard effort.”
The turning point came in the second and third quarters as Bay Area held Hudson Valley to 23 points in each quarter.
Gus Chase, who finished with 26 points and seven rebounds, added eight points in both the second and third quarter.
Bay Area held a 64-59 advantage at halftime.
“We were able to pull away in the second half and open up in the third quarter with a good effort,” added Coleman, who pulled in five rebounds to go along with four assists.
In a night that saw the Shuckers set two franchise scoring records, Danny Thompson set a team record and tied an American Professional Basketball League record with 25 rebounds. Thompson also added 18 points in the victory.
Jabril Bailey scored 15 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter for the Shuckers.
“He’s an excellent sixth man,” Topp said.
Leading scorer, Terry Hosley chipped in 22 points for the Shuckers.
“Everybody answered the call tonight,” Coleman said.
The Shuckers return to action next Saturday when they host the Alexandria Avengers, who defeated Bay Area in their last meeting 134-132.
"The Avengers did not see us firing on all cylinders,” Topp said. “Tonight is a statement win about our ability to refocus on what is important that we will carry into next week's rematch with the Avengers. The Avengers played well enough last week to earn our respect, but not our fear."
For all your Shuckers new please visit www.bayareashuckers.com. You can also follow the Shuckers on Twitter @BayAreaShuckers. Follow Dave Topp on Twitter @Topper18.
