BOXSCORE

MINOT, ND, January 19, 2007 – Kevin Pittsnogle scored a game-high 23 points for Pittsburgh (2-19), but Minot (11-11) won three of four quarters and pulled away for a 97-86 victory in Continental Basketball Association action at the Minot Municipal Auditorium.

Minot used stifling defense in the first quarter to limit the Xplosion to 15 points and finished the frame on a 15-3 run to claim the opening quarter, 24-15.

The Black and Gold charged back in the second period, winning the frame, 32-25, to draw within two at intermission, 49-47.

The contest remained tight through the early portion of the third quarter, with the Xplosion holding a lead on several occasions, but Minot reclaimed the advantage late in the quarter and established a lead it would never relinquish. The Skyrockets took the third quarter, 24-21, and the final period, 24-18, to win six of seven quarter points.

In addition to Pittsnogle, Janerio Spurlock netted 14 points and Shawn Hawkins added 12. Marc Williams and Andre Joseph tallied 10 points apiece. Newcomer Ronnie Fields sparked Minot with 21 points.

The Xplosion return to Pittsburgh on Tuesday and Wednesday for back-to-back games againt the CBA Champion Yakama Sun Kings.