Slam Renew Rivalry

Whatcom Pavilion played host to the rematch between 2012 International Basketball League Championship competitors; the Bellingham Slam and the Portland Chinooks Monday, May 27^th. Portland jumped out to an early lead and held firm for the entire first half. The fierce competition boiled over at one point, resulting in a technical foul and ejection of Slam guard Drew Ready. Although it is unclear of the reason. The Slam managed to tie the game in the last second of the first period but lost momentum in the second, trailing by three at the half. The third quarter saw Portland jump out again and dominate leading Bellingham through the third period. The Slam were down 71 to 88 at the beginning the fourth and trailed most of the period. With 16.5 seconds remaining Bellingham was down by two points. From the inbound pass the ball ended up in the hands of center Evan Matteson, who took a contested shot from behind the three-point arc and buried the ball with 0.5 seconds left to play. The Chinooks would commit an offensive foul sending the Slam to the free-throw line, putting the game out of reach. Final score: 106-105. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Strike Back

The Bellingham Slam showed their defensive prowess when they hosted the Lone Star Strikers from Houston Texas Sunday, May 19^th at Whatcom Pavilion. Building a lead early in the first period, Bellingham blocked shots, intercepted passes and rebounded nearly every Strikers' scoring attempt. The visiting from Texas would not concede easily, matching the point total for the second quarter with the Slam at 24-points each. However Bellingham would maintain a 14-point halftime lead. This proved to be too much for the Strikers to overcome as the Slam lead comfortably throughout the second half to another International Basketball League win. Final score: 106-86. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bulldogs fend off Bearcats

The rain soaked skies above Civic Field held back their deluged, allowing the sun to shine down and warm the gridiron where two Pacific Football League titans would wage battle. After a bitter loss at Yakima last week the Bulldogs looked to taste sweet victory again with a win over Grays Harbor. However defeating the Bearcats would not be easy. Bellingham struck first as the offense worked to establish their running game early with a touchdown on the legs of Brett Hall. The Bearcats would answer quickly with a touchdown through the air as quarterback David Evans connected with wide receiver Christoper Jackson on a 67-yard pass. The two teams would trade score for score throughout the first half. Each defense struggling to find their rhythm. Heading into halftime the Bulldogs held onto a one-point lead.

Bellingham's offense would come out for the second half and serve up another heavy dose of their running game and continue their relentless dominance of the line of scrimmage. With help from the legs of Brett Hall the Bulldogs added to their score twice more, giving Hall four touchdowns on the day. The Bulldogs defense finally woke up and showed why they are the best in the league, blanking the Bearcats for the entire second half, despite a great effort by Grays Harbor offense. Final score: 42-20.

This Bulldogs home game marked the annual Cancer Benefit Game played in support of Whatcom Relay for Life and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Proceeds from merchandise sold during the game were donated to these organizations.

Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam stomp Tornadoes

The Bellingham Slam welcomed the visiting team from across the Pacific Ocean. The Nippon Tornadoes of the International Basketball League began their United States tour Friday, May 10^th at Whatcom Pavilion. Bellingham did their best to show their guests what Slam basketball is all about. Bellingham took the lead early and kept on piling up the points throughout the game. Despite the Tornadoes energy and effort they could not close the double-digit gap for four quarters. Final score: 161-78. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs reign over Monarchs

The Bellingham Bulldogs hosted Pacific Football League rival the Portland Monarchs, Saturday, May 5^th at Lummi High School. The sun-drenched field illuminated the fierce determination the Bulldogs had to defeat their foes from Oregon in their fourth regular season game.

In the first quarter both defenses found their strides early, forcing the opposing offenses to punt in consecutive downs. However Bellingham would not be held scoreless as their offensive machine was beginning to warm up, scoring a field goal and then an aerial connection for a touchdown between Toby Seim and Leon Lilley. The Bulldogs defense dominated the remaining minutes of the first half of play while a well balanced Bellingham offense kept the Bulldogs ahead with a comfortable lead. Toby Seim would catch another touchdown strike from Leon Lilley and running back Brett Hall found the end zone as well. The Bulldogs defense would also cross the goal line when defensive lineman Eric Pitner recovered a fumble and rumbled down field for a score. The Monarchs were held scoreless until late in the second period, finding the end zone with a seventy two-yard bomb from quarterback Philip DuPont to wide receiver Tyrell Stewart.

Bellingham's defense continued to punish Portland throughout the third period and into the fourth. Toby Seim completed the hat-trick with a third touchdown reception from Leon Lilley and linebacker Sean Hicks added to the scoring with an interception return for a touchdown. The Monarchs would score twice more and convert on both two-point attempts but the game was too far out of reach. Final score: 45-22. Click here to view photos from the game.