XPLOSION COMEBACK COMES UP SHORT AGAINST BUTTE, 109-106

BOXSCORE

PITTSBURGH, February 23, 2007 – Rob Griffin and Corey Minifield each netted 22 points for Pittsburgh (4-30), but Butte (17-18) used a 13-2 fourth quarter run to reclaim the lead and hold on for a 109-106 win in Continental Basketball Association action at the Petersen Events Center.

The Daredevils led by 14 at halftime, 58-44, but the Xplosion clawed back into the ball game in the third quarter. Dajuan Tate scored 14 of his 19 points in the period to help the Black and Gold pick up the quarter point and pull with in three, 79-76, after 26 minutes.

After Butte netted the opening basket of the final frame to lead by five, Pittsburgh went on an 11-2 run, capped by back-to-back three pointers by Griffin to take an 87-83 lead with 9:19 left.

Pittsburgh led by three points, 91-88, after a bucket by Eric Williams, but Butte charged back led by Anthony Richardson, going on a 13-2 spurt to take a 101-93 lead.

Minnifield helped the Black and Gold stay close scoring seven straight points for the Xplosion. The Xplosion then pulled within two points, 108-106 after Griffin connected on a technical free thow and knocked down a three-pointer off the left wing.

John Millsap made the difference three after splitting a pair of free thows. The Xplosion's game-tying three was off the mark.

Minnifield posted a double-double with 22 points and 10 boards. Tate finished with 19. Williams added 17 and Lewis Monroe chipped in with 10 points and seven assists.

Nick Vanderlaan shot 12-16 and scored a game-high 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Odartey Blankson added 22 points and eight caroms.

Pittsburgh and Butte will face off again on Sunday evening at the Petersen Events Center. Game time is slated for 7:05 PM.