Steel City Topples Akron 123-114 to Continue Hot Start

The Steel City Yellow Jackets continued their hot start to the 2017/18 season winning their third straight game by defeating Akron 123-114. It was a close contest throughout, but some key contributions from the bench allowed Steel City to seal the victory.

Pittsburgh's only professional basketball team, the Steel City Yellow Jackets, continued their hot start to the season as they won their third straight game defeating the Akron Aviators 123-114. The game had some ups and downs but, in the end, they were able to survive thanks to some key contributors off of the bench.

It was a slow start offensively for Steel City on the day as they did not have their shot early on. However, Gerald Brooks would provide the spark they needed to get going as he put up nine first quarter points and continues to play big under the net. Brooks has really helped to fill the shoes of last year's big man Lawrence Baker and has gotten the job done in the rebound department turning many of those rebounds into points.

Akron would be up by three after the first quarter of play, but the Yellow Jackets offense would come alive thanks to some key contributors off the bench. Isaiah Prince had his shot going in the second quarter putting up 15 points including two big 3D opportunities converted. Jason Arrington also played a big role as he was able to put up 11 points off the bench including a big three point shot. These two were able to step up and spark this offense as the starters were getting warmed up.

Thanks to the performance of Arrington and Prince, Steel City was able to go into halftime with the lead sitting at 64-58 as they looked to continue their second quarter momentum into the second half. Coach Ace Pippens was trying to get his defense to step up and allow his offense to take over the game as we have seen so many times this season.

However, Akron was the one that came out firing in the third quarter as they would go on a 10-4 run to tie the game at 68. The lead would change several times throughout the second half as the teams battled for supremacy. It wasnt until late in the fourth quarter when Steel City was able to run away with the game.

Tone Reddic put up eight points late in the game including two key free throws and Jason Arrington sealed the deal with the final two free throws with under two minute to go toofficially put the game out of reach. With the win, Steel City has now won three straight games to start the season and are now 4-1 on the year.

Isaiah Prince lead his team in points with 24 coming off the bench on Wednesday. He was one of three Yellow Jackets to finish with 20 or more points as Jason Arrington finished with 22 and Tone Reddic collected 21 points on the day. The win showed that Steel City has the depth to win even if their starters arent at there best. Gil Cummings was having trouble finding his shot early on not getting on the board until the third quarter. He eventually ended the day with 12 points making four three pointers on the day, but his teammates were able to pick him up and put points on the board.

Steel City has a quick turnaround as they are right back at home this Saturday when they take on Team Network at 7 p.m. Come on out for a night of exciting basketball as tickets are 10 dollars for adults and five dollars for kids. It's another exciting season of ABA basketball, so come on out and Catch the Buzz.