PITTSBURGH, March 4, 2007 – Rob Griffin erupted for 30 points and connected on key free throws late in both regulation and overtime to help Pittsburgh (6-33) edge Indiana (20-19) in overtime, 108-104, in Continental Basketball Association action at the Petersen Events Center. Lawrence Baker added a career-high 22 points for the Black and Gold.
The Xplosion led by 11 after netting the opening bucket of the fourth quarter, but the AlleyCats charged back, using a 9-2 run, to make it a one possession game late in regulation. It was a one-point ball game with 32.9 seconds remaining, when Griffin hit a pair of free throws to put Pittsburgh up by three, 98-95.
Indiana's Shaun Fountain, who finished with a game-high 32 points, then drove the length of the floor and pulled up and canned a three-point basket to tie the game at 98-98 and force overtime.
The AlleyCats went on top by three quickly in overtime, Dajuan Tate then split a pair of free throws and Corey Minnifield converted a three-point play to put the Xplosion up for good. Griffin iced the game by hitting 4-4 free throws in the final seconds to give Pittsburgh the 108-104 win.
Indiana won a tightly played opening quarter, 26-25, but Pittsburgh charged back in the second period to win the frame, 30-21, and take a 55-47 lead at intermission.
The Black and Gold extended their advantage after winning the third quarter, 25-24, before Indiana rallied back to claim the final frame, 27-18, and force overtime.
The Xplosion won the game and two quarters to secure the 5-2 win.
Griffin shot 9-17 from the field, including 3-8 from three and 9-10 at the line to finish with 30 points. Baker added 22 on 11-16 shooting. Minnifield tallied 18 points and 12 rebounds to post a double-double. Tate finished in double figures with 16 points.
Fountian scored 32 points. Former Xplosion standout Josh Murray netted 18. Carl Edwards finished with 16 and Brandon Brantley chipped in with 12 points for Indiana.
The win was the Xplosion's first against the AlleyCats and snapped a 12-game losing streak in the all-time series that dated back to 2005-06.
The Xplosion travel to play the Indiana Alley Cats on Friday, March 9 in Anderson, Indiana. Game time is 7:00 PM. For more information visit www.pittsburghxplosion.com or call the Xplosion at (877) 410-9900 .