March 6, 2015

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Despite kicking the ball around to the tune of 22 turnovers, the Bloomington Flex led nearly wire-to-wire in a convincing 119-84 Midwest Professional Basketball Association win over a short-handed Chicago Force team Friday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in front of 1,259 fans.

                    Chicago held its only lead of the game early in the first quarter at 5-4, but after that, it was all Bloomington, as the Flex held opened up a 10-point lead after a 13-2 run through the middle part of the period.  The first frame ended with a 25-16 Flex advantage.

                    Bloomington started to open the game up in the second, taking a twelve point lead at 31-19.  However, the Force pulled to within six at 31-25, prompting Flex coach Carlnel Wiley, Jr. to call timeout.  The Flex responded with a 12-2 run to swell the lead to 16, and Chicago never really threatened again, as Bloomington took a 49-34 lead at halftime.

                    In the second half, the Flex continued to dominate the Force, who were without four players due to injury, illness or family obligations.

                    Justin Bocot led the Flex with 30 points, while C.J. Hampton added 25.  Matt Salley had 15 points and 18 rebounds, and Anthony Slack had 14 points and 15 boards.  Terrence Green chipped in 11 rebounds and seven blocked shots, and Ray Miller had 7 points and 8 rebounds.

                    Tremell Adams led Chicago with 20 points.  Darius Smith had 19, and Marvin Lee had 15.

                    Bloomington raised its record to 10-2 on the season, while Chicago fell to 3-11.  The same two teams meet again Sunday at the Kroc Center in Chicago at 2:00.

                    Fans can watch that game live and in high definition free of charge on the MPBA website, www.theMPBA.com.