Portsmouth Invitational Tournament – Day Four
The final day of the 2006 PIT began with a record-setting performance from Jose Juan Barea, whose 18 assists set the single-game record as Beach Barton Ford toppled Norfolk Sports Club 117-100. Eric Hicks, playing for the injured Kenny Adeleke, scored 27 points and took down 17 rebounds in a display of raw power and grit. Western Kentucky’s Anthony Winchester added 22 triggered by 4-4 long range shooting. Connecticut’s Rashad Anderson contributed 20 points, while Travis Garrison pulled down 12 boards and scored 17 points. Justin Williams blocked 5 shots and grabbed 10 rebounds.
For Norfolk SC, Iowa’s Greg Brunner led the way with 19 points, supported by Cameron Bennerman’s 18 points and Joah Tucker’s 17.
In the first game of the night, Chris Hernandez passed, Steve Novak shot and MD Design took home third place with a 86-80 triumph over Naval Shipyard. Novak scored a game-high 25 off a 7-11 three-point shooting effort, and missed a double-double by one rebound. Hernandez tallied 19 points and provided a steadying influence at the point.
For Naval Shipyard, Carl Krauser led the way with 20 points and 5 steals, while 3 players added 12 points each.
The 54th P.I.T. Championship went to Portsmouth Sports Club, who took the measure of Holiday Inn 104-88. Daniel Kickert of St. Mary’s led the scoring parade with 19 points. Keydren Clark added 16 points and was joined by Curtis Withers of Charlotte with 17 points and 7 boards. Solomon Jones of South Florida had an explosive night, dropping in 16 points, 10 rebounds and adding 5 blocks.
For Holiday Inn, Alan Daniels of Lamar led the scoring with 19 points, while supported by C.J. Watson’s 17 points. Clemson’s Akin Akingbala added 15 along with 3 blocks.
Around the Gym
Between the AAU tournament happening nearby and the Nike Hoops summit in Memphis, the international scouts along with the NBA were in short supply.
From the Sidelines
Saint Peter’s Keydren Clark took home MVP Honors. Rules prevent the award from going to a team that did not advance to the final night’s games, otherwise Northeastern’s Jose Juan Barea would certainly have pushed Clark for the honor. Barea broke two assist records in his final performance: individual game 18 as well as total for the tourney with 41. Amazingly, Barea committed just 5 turnovers.
AfterWords
Check back next week for a complete wrap-up of the tourney.
