BayHawks Lose to Bakersfield in Televised Game
Bakersfield Outlasts Erie, 104-93
Jerel McNeal catches fire late to down BayHawks
Erie, Pennsylvania, Monday, February 11 - The Erie BayHawks and Bakersfield Jam battled in a back-and-forth affair on Monday night at the Erie Insurance Arena. The Jam pulled away at the end, thanks to Jerel McNeal's 16 fourth quarter points and downed Erie 104-93.
In the first quarter, Erie's (17-14) D.J. Kennedy and Bakersfield's (21-9) Brian Butch led their squads with six points apiece as the Jam took a four point advantage into the second frame. The second quarter featured six lead changes and seven ties before Bakersfield took a three point lead into the break due in large part to out rebounding the BayHawks, 25-16.
Erie took a brief one point advantage midway through the third quarter on a Demetri McCamey jumper but the Jam came right back and went up five points heading into the final twelve minutes. With 3:31 remaining in the contest, the BayHawks took a one point lead on two Henry Sims free throws. Bakersfield closed the game on a 14-3 run to down Erie by a total of 104-93.
Kennedy led Erie in scoring with a total of 21 points. Tirrell Baines finished with 15 off the bench and Sims scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. McNeal finished with a total of 28 points for the Jam. Renaldo Major also contributed with 18 points and Brian Butch finished with 13.
Both teams will depart for the All-Star break and each squad will send two representatives to Houston for the festivities. Erie's Sims and Kennedy will join McNeal and Damian James of the Jam on Saturday in the 2013 NBA Development League All-Star game. The BayHawks return to action on Wednesday, February 20 in Canton. Bakersfield returns home and welcomes the Maine Red Claws on Friday, February 22.
