The King County Royals earned their first win in 2007 as they upset their arch-rival the Bellingham Slam, 101-83, in an American Basketball Association game at Whatcom Pavlion on Saturday.
Both teams struggled offensively, with both teams shooting 39 percent from the floor.
The game started out rough for the Royals, as the Slam quickly built a 12-point lead, at 24-14, with 1:44 to go in the first quarter. But the Slam's shooting went downhill in the second quarter, scoring only 16 points as King County took a 46-42 lead into halftime.
Despite their poor shooting, Bellingham was able to stay within striking distance for most of the second half, trailing by only five at 86-81, with 3:21 left to play. But after that, the Slam could find the bottom of the net as they scored only one more basket the rest of the way. King County outscored Bellingam 15-2 down the stretch, mostly on free throws, to take the control of the game and earn their first victory against the Slam.
Randy Green led the way for King County, scoring 28 points. Three players, Jamie Booker, Jackie Jones, and Jim Rainwater, recorded double-doubles for the Royals.
Mike Parker led five Slam players in double figures with 22 points.
The Royals return to action on Wednesday as they take on the Carson Buzz at 8 p.m. at the Wellness Center at North Seattle Community College.
