PITTSBURGH, March 21, 2007 - Corey Minnifield recorded a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds and Rob Griffin added 24 points to help Pittsburgh (10-35) overcome a five-point halftime deficit and defeat Indiana (23-23) in Continental Basketball Association action at Mellon Arena, 119-103.
The Xplosion shot 60 percent from the field in the first quarter, which allowed them to gain a 31-24 lead at the end of one period. Indian led by as many as five points in the opening stanza, but the Black and Gold used a 10-0 run late in the frame to take control of a one-point game.
The Alley Cats rallied back to win the second quarter (26-14) and take a 50-45 halftime lead. Pittsburgh mustered just 14 points and Indiana closed the half on a 17-6 run that erased a six-point Xplosion lead and game them the five-point lead at intermission.
Shawn Hawkins helped ignite the Pittsburgh comeback in the third quarter, scoring 10 of his 19 points in the period. The Black and Gold went on to win the third quarter (33-22) and took a 78-72 lead.
Indiana briefly closed to within four points early in the final frame, but Pittsburgh, which had not hit a three-point basket in the game, connected on three key three-point baskets to create breathing room and push the lead into double figures. Three-balls by Lawrence Baker and Griffin were part of a 10-0 Xplosion spurt that made it a 16-point game 99-83.
Pittsburgh would go on to win the final period, 41-31, matching a season single quarter high for points, and pick up six quarter points with the 119-103 win.
Fountain led all scorers with 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Romuald Augustine posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Pittsburgh closes out the home portion of the schedule with games against Minot on Thursday and Friday at Mellon Arena. Friday’s contest will feature a special pregame exhibition between the Steelers Basketball Team and a squad of local celebrities beginning at 7:00 PM. For more information call the Xplosion at (877) 410-9900 or visit www.pittsburghxplosion.com.