BOXSCORE

ALBANY, February 18, 2007 – Rob Griffin led six Pittsburgh (3-28) players in double figures with 17 points, but Albany (19-11) used a 15-0 run midway through the third quarter to break open a tight contest and coasted to a 127-103 victory in Continental Basketball Association action at the Washington Avenue Armory.  Kevin Pittsnogle netted 10 points, all in the first half, in his first game back from injury for the Black and Gold.

The first half was tightly contested, as Albany captured the first quarter, 28-23, but the Xplosion picked up the second quarter point, 40-36.  It was a one-point Patroons’ lead at intermission, 64-63.

Pittsburgh led by one , 73-72, with 7:23 left to play in the third quarter, when the Patroons surged ahead for good.  Albany outscored the Black and Gold 15-0 over the next 3:32 to seize control of the game.  They won the third quarter, 32-19.  The Patroons pulled away in the fourth quarter, winning the final quarter, 31-21.  Albany took six of seven quarter points.

Free throw shooting and foul differential proved to have a significant impact on the game’s outcome.  Pittsburgh was whistled for 29 personal fouls on the road, while the Patroons were called for just 18 fouls.  Albany took advantage at the stripe hitting 35 of 42 free throw attempts.  The Xplosion were 16-24 at the line.  Albany shot 57 percent from the field.

Griffin tallied 17 points.  Corey Minnifield added 16 points.  Lonnie Randolph and Lewis Monroe chipped in with 15 points apiece.  Newcomer Eric Williams tallied 11 points.  . 

Kwan Johnson had game-highs of 35 points and 14 rebounds for Albany, which saw four players post double-doubles.  Jamario Moon and Chris Sockwell each contributed 25 points and 10 caroms.

The Xplosion have a quick turnaround, returning to the floor for the first game of a four-game homestand on Monday night, February 19, when the Minot Skyrockets visit Mellon Arena for a 7:05 PM tip-off.  For more information visit www.pittsburghxplosion.com or call the Xplosion ticket office at (877) 410-9900.