BOXSCORE

PITTSBURGH, January 3, 2007 - Kevin Pittsnogle scored a game-high 33 poins and Marvin Phillips and Shawn Hawkins added 27 points each for Pittsburgh (1-12), but Albany (12-3) took advantage of several late tunovers to secure a 136-129 victory in Continental Basketball Association action at Mellon Arena.

A nip and tuck game throughout, the contest was knotted-up at 101-101 after three quarters. The Patroons squeaked out the opening quarter, 35-33, but the Xplosion took the second quarter, 32-31, and third quarter, 36-35.

The game was all square 126-126 with 3:34 to play in the ballgame, but Albany took advantage of three late turnovers to pull away for the 136-129 win.

Pittsnogle, who tallied 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, was one of three Xplosion players to finish with double-doubles. Phillips also had a double-double adding 27 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Andre Joseph added 11 points and 11 assists. Hawkins 27 points were a season-high.

T.J. Thompson finished with 30 points to lead six Patroons in double figures. Kwan Johnson added 29 points. Jamario Moon added 26 points and 10 boards.

Injuries left the Xplosion short-handed. Janerio Spurlock was on the injured list, DeVaughn Halsel missed the game with an injury and Greg Jenkins was injurd in the first half, leaving Pittsburgh with just seven players.

The Xplosion return to the floor on Thursday night at Mellon Arena against the Indiana Alleycats.