SEATTLE – The Bellingham Slam received contributions from a number of former Western Washington University players as they routed the Kitsap Admirals, 110-89, in Seattle Pro-Am action at Royal Brougham Pavilion on Saturday.
Led by guard Taylor Stafford who tallied a game-high 38 points, seven ex-Vikings scored the Slam and accounted for over two-thirds of Bellingham’s total offensive production.
Stafford dazzled the crowd with perhaps the best shooting performance of the Pro-Am’s young season. He finished with five three-pointers and was 9-for-11 on his shots from inside the arc.
Leading 49-42 at the half, guard Paul Hafford opened the third quarter with a three-pointer and sparked a 14-2 run for the Slam which extended the lead to 63-44. By the time the quarter had ended, the rout was on as Bellingham pushed its advantage to 88-61.
With the outcome no longer in doubt, the Slam used the fourth quarter as an opportunity to find minutes for all 12 players on its active roster. Forward Sterling Somers nailed a pair of three-pointers while guard Kosei Ban sank the Slam’s tenth trey of the day just as time expired.
In addition to the seven former Western players who suited up for the Slam, current Vikings forward Trevor Jasinsky and center Logan Schilder saw time on the court for the Admirals.
Stafford was one of three players to score in double figures for the Slam, which saw scoring contributions from all 12 active players. Hafford finished with 12 points while forward Anye Turner narrowly missed out on a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds.
For Kitsap, forwards Dominic Green and Jeff Perkins led the way with 17 and 14 points, respectively. The Slam defense held the Admirals to 36 percent field goal shooting on the day.
In keeping with the team-first style of play which led to many successful seasons in the International Basketball League, the Slam has posted a total of 55 assists in their first two Pro-Am games this season to lead the league.
The Slam returns to action on Sunday as they battle Team N.F.A., which boasts a number of big names on its roster, including Spencer Hawes, Dejounte Murray and Martell Webster. Tip-off is set for 1:30pm at Seattle Pacific University’s Royal Brougham Pavilion.
