JANUARY 1, 2007

Streaking Slam move to third in ABA poll

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam, 12-3 on the season and riding a seven game win streak, have moved into the third spot in the American Basketball Association's power rankings, according to the latest poll released by the league Monday. The Slam jumped two spots, from fifth to third, thanks to two wins against the King County Royals last week. Two weeks ago, the Slam were ranked at number 12.

The expansion Arkansas Aeros held onto the top spot in the ABA's rankings for the fourth straight week with a 16-2 record.

The ABA's power rankings use a variety of factors to determine positioning, including win-loss records and strength of schedule. At the end of the season in March, the poll will be used to determine playoff positioning. A top eight finish in the poll is crucial, as those eight teams receive a first round bye in the ABA playoffs and are guaranteed a second round home playoff game. The winner of the second round playoff game advances to the ABA 's championship tournament to be held in Los Angeles at the end of March.

The Slam will have a tough time defending their ranking this week, as they head on the road for a three-game road trip to Mexico and California. They will open the road trip on Thursday at unranked Tijuana, then travel to play #24 Sacramento on Friday, before taking on #17 Beijing on Saturday in Los Angeles.

Should the rankings stay the same, the Slam will take on two top-ten teams later this season. The tenth-ranked Gallup Outlaws will visit Bellingham on Jan. 23, while on Feb. 10 the Slam will travel cross-country to battle #2 Vermont.

The Slam's only losses this season have come against ranked teams. They lost their first two home games by two points each to #12 Hollywood, and also fell on the road to #11 San Diego on December 10.