BOXSCORE

PITTSBURGH, February 9, 2007 - All-Star Robert Griffin scored a season-high 39 points to lead the Pittsburgh Xplosion (3-26) to a 118-115 victory over Albany (16-10) in Continental Basketball Association action at the Petersen Events Center. The victory snapped an 11-game skid for the Xplosion. The Patroons’ T.J. Thompson finished with a CBA season-high 45 points in a losing effort.

Albany led by four-points after a high-scoring opening 12 minutes, 38-34. Pittsburgh, however, stormed back in the second quarter, outscoring the Patroons, 38-26, in the period to seize a 72-64 lead at the half. Pittsburgh connected on 11 of 23 three-point attempts to claim the lead.

The clubs played to a near stalemate in the third quarter with Albany earning the quarter point after winning the quarter on a late bucket, 20-18. Pittsburgh, though still led by six after three-quarters, 90-84.

Albany used an early fourth quarter push to briefly take the lead, 96-95, but newcomer Lawrence Baker put the Xplosion back on top with a bucket and the Black and Gold would not relinquish the lead. Griffin scored 10 of Pittsburgh’s final 12 points as they held off the Patroons down the stretch.

Albany captured three of the four quarters, but Pittsburgh took the second frame and the victory to earn four quarter points.

Dajuan Tate added 26 points and eight rebounds for Pittsburgh. Lewis Monroe chipped in 16 points, eight assists and seven boards.

Thompson finished with 45 points and Felipe Lopez addd 24 to pace Albany.

The win was the Black and Gold’s first at home this season, ending a 13-game skid.

The Patroons and Xplosion face off again on Tuesday, February 13 at the Wahington Avenue Armory. Game time is slated for 7:35. The contest was originally slated to be played in Pittsburgh.