Arsenal Get By Jam for Home Win

Anaheim 102, Bakersfield 93

ANAHEIM, Calif., Jan. 26 -- Steven Smith helped push the Arsenal to a 102-93 victory over the Bakersfield Jam with 25 points and five assists.

“It was a much needed victory," Smith said after the game. "Everyone stepped up and was ready to play, but more importantly it was a fun game.”

In the first half the Arsenal and the Jam traded both points and turnovers. The Arsenal racked up seven turnovers to the Jam’s six. Arsenal play was ignited when guard Yuta Tabuse drove to the basket, flying by two Jam defenders. Anaheim took a 42-35 lead with 6:18 left in the half.

The Arsenal knocked down five 3-pointers early to put them ahead by seven points, 57-50, going into halftime.

“Everyone played well, and we really needed the win," said Will Blalock, who scored three of Anaheim's eight total treys. "We executed well and that’s why we won.”

The Jam came out of halftime with quick play, forcing turnovers and outscoring the Arsenal 27-22 in the third quarter. But the Arsenal kept the lead with big shots by Smith and Kedrick Brown. New Arsenal player Mo Charlo picked up a 3-pointer with 10:06 left in the game, giving the Arsenal a 87-79 lead.

After being in foul trouble for most of the game, center Marcus Campbell took the ball to the hoop off a no-look pass from Tabuse for an easy two points.

The Jam picked away at the Arsenal, bringing them within four points with 3:44 left in the game, but that's as close as Bakersfield got.

“It was a good concentrated effort by the team. Will and Yuta did an excellent job, and Steven gave that offensive punch," said Arsenal coach Reggie Geary. "It was a great defensive performance especially against such an explosive team as Bakersfield.”

Jam point guard Andre Barrett led the Bakersfield Jam with 26 points to go along with nine assists and seven rebounds. Nick Lewis turned in 18 points and five rebounds.