BOXSCORE

ALBANY, NY, January 28, 2007 – The Pittsburgh Xplosion (2-23) opened the game on a 22-0 run, but Albany (16-7) rallied, fueled by a 40-point third quarter surge, to earn a 114-102 victory in Continental Basketball Association action at the Washington Avenue Armory.  Shawn Hawkins led the Xplosion with 22 points and Kevin Pittsnogle added 20.

A fast-start had the Black and Gold thinking positive after dropping a heart-breaker to the Patroons on Friday evening.   Pittsburgh sprinted out to a 22-0 lead, as Albany would not score its first point until the 7:15 mark of the opening quarter.  The Xplosion would go on to win the quarter, 37-16.

The second quarter was a defensive struggle with the Patroons squeaking out the period, 20-17.  Pittsburgh, however, still held an 18-point edge at the break, 54-36. 

Pittsburgh stayed close in the fourth quarter, but Albany slowly crept away in the fourth quarter, winning the frame 38-30 and the game, 114-102.

Turnovers plague the Xplosion which coughed up the ball 23 times, while Albany gave it away just 11 times.  Free throws also proved to be a difference.  Albany made 37-45 attempts, while Pittsburgh was 13-19. 

Dajuan Tate netted 18 points to help the Xplosion.  Lewis Monroe added 16 and Marvin Phillips tallied 11.

Three Patroons netted 20 or more points led by T.J. Thompson, who scored 28.   Kwan Johnson had 24 points and Jamario Moon added 23.

Albany erased the remainder of the Xplosion advantage in the third quarter, outscoring Pittsburgh 40-18 in the frame.  Down 18, an 18-2 spurt brought the Patroons within one possession of the lead at 63-60.  Albany took its first lead at 71-70 after a pair of free throws with 34 seconds remaining and led by four after three quarter, 74-70.

The Xplosion continue their five game road trip on Wednesday, January 31 when the club travels to play the Butte Daredevils.