BOXSCORE

PITTSBURGH, December 23, 2006 - Pittsburgh (0-8) jumped out to a first quarter lead, but Albany (8-2) rallied and then held on in the fourth quarter to post a 103-96 victory over the Xplosion in Continental Basketball Association action at Mellon Arena. The Patroons picked up 5.5 quarter points, while the Black and Gold collected 1.5. Kevin Pittsnogle finished with a season-high 28 points to lead Pittsburgh.

Pittsnogle helped the Xplosion get off to a quick start netting 16 points in the opening quarter against Albany, which was playing the second night of a back-to-back. The Xplosion won the opening 12 minute period, 36-29.

The Patroons charged back in the second quarter, winning the period, 25-19, and drawing within one point at intermision, 55-54.

The game remained tight through much of the third quarter and was tied at 71-71 with 5:07 left in the period after Pittsnogle sank consecutive free throws. Albany then went on a 9-0 run over the next three minutes to seize control of the quarter and the game,
80-71. The Patroons led after three quarters, 83-76.

Pittsburgh charged back in the final 12 minutes. Down nine, 93-84, with 6:12 left, the Xplosion used a 10-2 spurt that ended with three straight Pittsnogle free throws to get within one point, 95-94, with 3:19 remaining. The Xplosion, however would manage just two more points the rest of the way and despite tying the quarter 20-20, Albany would go on to the 103-96 win.

The Xplosion controlled the boards, outrebounding Albany 60-48 for the game. Pittsburgh committed 29 turnovers, while Albany lost the ball 22 times.

After the Chrismas holiday, Pittsburgh hits the road for three games against the National Conference beginning against Yakama on December 27.