Ice downs Aviators in debut at Owens
2/28/2006The Toledo Ice pounded the Ohio Aviators 140-56 last night in an American Basketball Association Freddie Lewis Division game.
The Ice (16-13) led 43-16 after one quarter and 84-31 by halftime.
"We came out and played good-position, man-to-man defense and made them work full-court," Ice coach Melvin Newbern said.
"That led to a lot of easy baskets."
Jamel Staten led the Ice with 27 points, Levy Jones had 23, Rashard Carson 20, Gameli Ahelegbe 19 points and six steals, Emeka Okonkwo 18 points and nine rebounds, Jake Beck 12 points and 11 boards and Chuck Washington 10 points.
Jabari Matthews led the Aviators (4-14) with 27 points and Tony Robinson had 14.
It was the Ice's first home game at Owens Community College and Newbern was pleased with the venue.
"The atmosphere was real good," Newbern said. "There were a lot of students there, so it was almost like a college atmosphere.
"It's a nice shooting gym, with bright lights.
"I want to thank [Owens] coach [Jim] Welling for letting us come here. It felt good playing here."
That's good for the Ice, which had been told it will host a home playoff game March 13 at Owens.
The Ice has two games remaining in the regular season, both on the road, including Sunday at the first-place Indiana Alleycats.
The Ice's Jamel Staten was one of two earning ABA player-of-the-week honors, joining Jason Smith of the San Jose Skyrockets.
Staten averaged 38 points per game during the Ice's last three games.