Energy lives up to its name, beat Bellingham Friday

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EDMONTON: Somewhere, somehow, the Energy found a way to live up to their name.

Edmonton’s International Basketball League team overcame a shocking 21-point first-quarter deficit to hand the reigning champion Bellingham Bulls a 144-134 defeat in what Energy coach Paul Sir called: "the best game I’ve been part of since I’ve been coaching in the IBL."

The comeback almost defies description.

In the first quarter alone, the Slam hit eight three-pointers, while missing only two from long range.

Bellingham’s overall shooting percentage in the first 12 minutes was 65 per cent.

At the end of the first quarter, Bellingham led 51-30 and several in the crowd, including Energy president David Dorward, were thinking of a horrific possibility -- close to 200 points against.

"Numbers like that are unheard of," Sir said. "All you can do is try hanging in because you know they’re going to cool off.

"To our guys’ credit, they just refused to lose."

The rebound started when J.R. Patrick took charge in the second quarter. He hit a couple of three’s and penetrated for a couple of layoffs and the climate began to change.

"To our character, we were able to come back" and make it a nine-point deficit by halftime, he said.

"We just needed to come out with more energy."

Patrick’s 30 points led Edmonton scorers. Steve Sir had 26 and William Funn -- described by his coach as "the perfect point guard" -- was overwhelming with 16 points, 16 assists and 16 rebounds.

"Those totals are unbelievable," Sir exclaimed as the crowd swarmed the floor to congratulate the hometown team.

Dominant rebounding by Skousen Harker and Antwon Mills was a major contribution to the Energy comeback.

The amazing comeback left Edmonton with four wins and one loss in the young season. Bellingham had a four-game winning streak snapped.