Kroc opener features doubleheader split
RiverSharks, Groove earn wins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2015
Contact: Alvin Washington, Director of Media Relations
(573) 979-7541 / alvin.washington@chicagoforcebasketball.com
CHICAGO - Fans attending a Saturday twin bill at the Kroc Center were treated to quite a debut for the Midwest Professional Basketball Association on the city's west side, as the Windy City Groove held off late surges by the Gateway Steam to win their first game in franchise history, 92-91.
Shedrick Haynes hit the game winning bucket with 2.9 seconds in the game; he tallied 17 to lead the Groove (1-0) in their inaugural game.
"This win gave us a lot of confidence", said Groove coach James Fleming, who coached his first professional game. "We lost our composure for a moment, but were able to regain and complete the victory. [Haynes] had the green light to take the last shot. He comes across as a big-game player and I had no problem giving him that opportunity," Fleming said.
The Steam (1-2) were led by Jake Anderson and Jonathan Miller, who each scored 17.
In the early game, the Chicago Force fought back from an early double-digit deficit to take a mid-game lead, only to lose 111-100 against the St. Louis RiverSharks.
Derrick McDonald led the Force (0-2) with 28 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter. Brandon Hogg was the high point man for St. Louis (3-0) at 35, with 26 of those coming in the second half. Hogg helped lead a game ending 15-2 run in the final 2:30.
The Force and Groove face each other Thursday, January 15, in the first of four "Crosstown Showdowns" at the Kroc Center. Tipoff is set for 7:05 p.m.