BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Forward Ike Ohanson couldn’t have made a better first impression for the Bellingham Slam, scoring 34 points on 16-for-20 shooting as the Slam defeated the Tacoma Tide, 124-103, in the International Basketball League opener for both teams.
The Slam started sluggish, trailing by as much as four late in the first quarter until a 15-4 run gave them a 29-22 lead going into the first quarter break.
Bellingham extended their lead to 20, at 48-28, halfway through the second quarter on consecutive lay-ins by Ohanson off passes from Jacob Stevenson. The Tide were able to reel in the Slam slightly to close the quarter, with Bellingham taking a 58-45 lead into halftime.
Tacoma was further able to narrow the gap in the closing moments of the third quarter with four quick baskets from Antwan Williams. Bellingham led 88-79 at the third quarter break.
The Slam re-established a double-digit lead on their first possession of the fourth quarter with the first of four three-pointers from Paul Hafford in the period. Tacoma was able to get within ten only once the rest of the way.
Ohanson complemented his game-high 34 points with nine rebounds and three steals. Stevenson was the Slam’s second leading scorer with 25, while Hafford finished with 22. Ryan Diggs was just shy of a triple-double with 19 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
Tacoma was led by the 25 points of Williams, who also led his team with five assists. Dontay Harris continued his strong play against the Slam with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds.
With the win, Bellingham improved to 2-3 all-time in season openers.