BOXSCORE

BUTTE, MONTANA, December 30, 2006 - Kevin Pittsnogle erupted for a game-high 33 points and netted the game-winner on a put-back with just five seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Pittsburgh Xplosion (1-10) to a 119-118 victory over the Butte Daredevils (4-6) in Continental Basketball Association action at the Butte Civic Center.

Greg Jenkins and Marvin Phillips both had big evenings for the Black and Gold netting 20 points apiece to help the Xplosion to its first win of the year.

Following early season trends, Pittsburgh got off to a solid start and captured the opening quarter, 28-26. Butte, however, fought back to win the second period and claim a 58-54 lead at intermission.

The Daredevils extended their lead to 12 points and led 95-83 after three quarters, before the Xplosion staged a stirring comeback. The Black and Gold rallied, outscoring Butte 36-23 over the final 12 minutes, to secure the one-point win.

It was an all around solid effort for Pittsburgh, which placed six players in double figures. In the backcourt, Andre Joseph registered 15 points, eight rebounds and nine assists; Marc Williams tallied a career-high 15 points and Isaac Jefferson notched 14 points and a team-high nine boards.

Odell Bradley led Butte with 29 points.

Pittsburgh committed a season-low 13 turnovers in the ballgame and forced 22 miscues by Butte. The Xplosion also connected on 28 of 36 free throw attempts, while Butte sank 13 of 16.

Injuries have plagued the Xplosion during the early portion of the season and Saturday evening was no different, as both DeVaughn Halsel and Bryant McAllister suffered setbacks in the contest.

The Xplosion won both the first and fourth quarters to pick up a pair of quarter points and claimed a 5-2 victory.

Pittsburgh returns home for a New Year's Day tilt with the Albany Patroons at Mellon Arena on Monday at 7:00 PM.

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