FOR RELEASE: Monday, February 20, 2006

Kirtland loses overtime contest to Alpena

ROSCOMMON – It took an extra five minutes to accomplish it, but the Lumberjacks of Alpena Community College pulled off an avenging win over the Kirtland Firebirds on Saturday, Feb. 18, in Roscommon, racking up 14 points in overtime to win 111-102.

This despite the fact Kirtland’s Tony Brown dropped in 30 points during the game that all along looked like it was going to go Kirtland’s way.

The matchup between the two Northern Michigan teams is always a must-win game for the Firebirds and they defeated Alpena handily less than one month ago. But the Firebirds suffered from numerous missed shots during Saturday’s contest and a breakdown in defense, allowing Alpena to stay in the game.

The Lumberjacks dropped in a last-minute basket to tie the score at 97 before the end of regulation play, then went on a scoring run in overtime to clinch their revenge.

Despite the outcome, the Firebirds gave fans during this game – their last at home this season – a taste of the talent that has earned them the No. 8 spot for team offense among National Junior College Athletic Association Division I teams, averaging 90 points per game.

In addition to Brown’s team-high point total, Sal Kabara added a stellar 27 points, 16 rebounds and 5 steals for Kirtland, placing him 18th in the nation for individual scoring, averaging 20.88 points per game. Brown is in the No. 24 spot among scorers, averaging 20.26 points per game. He is also No. 15 in the nation for assists and added 12 to his total in the Alpena game.

Also in double digits against Alpena were Dave Allison who recorded 18 points, along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and Matt Tompkins with 11 points and 4 rebounds. Brian Suchowesky added 6 rebounds.

Rounding out the scoring for Kirtland were Darrin Wilson and Ryan Filipiak, each with 6 points, and DeMarvleous Carter with 4.

The Firebirds have only two more games in which to try to raise their 12-16 season record; the first is Tuesday, Feb. 21, in Warren against Macomb Community College, then they wrap up the regular season with a game against newcomer Lewis College of Business on Saturday, Feb. 25, in Detroit.

Region XII tournament play in the NJCAA begins the first week of March, during which Kirtland will take on Vincennes University, in Vincennes, Ind., in Division I action.

For more on Firebird athletics, log on at firebirds.kirtland.edu.