PITTSBURGH , December 28, 2007 – Carl Krauser's 20 points weren't enough as the Xplosion fell to the Yakama Sun Kings, 116-107, Friday night at the Petersen Events Center. Shaun Fountain led the Xplosion with 22 points, but Krauser led the charge late, scoring 12 of the Xplosion's final 17 points.

A pair of Krauser jumpers gave the Xplosion a 94-90 lead, their largest of the evening. But the defending champions fought back, and a Desmond Ferguson three put the Sun Kings ahead for good at 101-98. Ferguson hit four from deep on his way to 22 points. Jason Sasser led all scorers with 34 points. Moochie Norris added 15 points and 12 assists.

“Yakama is well-coached and has great veteran leadership,” Xplosion head coach Carlos Knox said. “But for the most part, I applaud our team's effort against the best team in the CBA.”

The Xplosion took the first quarter, 31-30. The Sun Kings responded in the second, winning the quarter by five and taking a 60-56 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Sun Kings retained their lead throughout the third quarter, but could never push it beyond six points. Pittsburgh rallied late in the third to win the quarter point and trail by just one heading into the final period.

“We played the champs tough, and hopefully that will give us some momentum heading on the trip,” Knox said.

The Xplosion hit the road for three games in Albany next week, starting New Year's Eve at 7:35 PM. Pittsburgh also plays Friday and Saturday nights against the Patroons.