Air Strikers go 1-1 on road trip, remain 1/2 game behind playoff spot

     The Dayton Air Strikers went 1-1 on their road trip this weekend, winning at Scranton (Sunday) 132-127 but losing at Rochester (Monday) 106-97. The Air Strikers now remain at 4-6, 1/2 game back of Scranton Steamers (4-5) and division leader Rochester (11-1) heading into the midway break. Here is a recap of the weekend road trip:

Strikers win in Scranton

          (Sunday)   In the game against Scranton, G Avery Smith toasted the Steamers for 31 points, 7 assists and 5 boards, while F William "Bo" Harris had a double double off the bench with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals to help lead the Strikers to a win. The Steamers held a slight lead at half (64-60) but was outscored by the Air Strikers in the 3rd quarter 40-27 to give the Air Strikers a cushion they would never relinquish. The Air Strikers now have beaten the Steamers 2 of 3 games they have met, which could be crucial come late in the season if the teams tie for 2nd best record.
     
         (Monday)  The Game against Rochester was once again a tight one, as the Razorsharks held a 10 point halftime lead, but the Air Strikers continued to fight back, getting the lead within 4 with less than 2 minutes in the game..With over 8,000 fans nailed to their seats, Razorsharks G Jahron Giddings hit a key basket with the shot clock winding down, and then sealed the deal with 2 free throws to lead the Razorsharks to a win. The Air Stirkers was led by F-C Brandon Russ, who dropped 23 points (10-12 FG) to go with 9 boards, while F "Bo" Harris put in 20 points to go with 11 rebounds.

NEXT UP: The Air Strikers will host Lake Michigan as they will have 7 of their last 10 games at home during the strectch run.

Gomillia gets pro opportunity in Mexico

Notes: Mark Gomillia has gotten a opportunity to play pro in Mexico. The guard from Stephen F. Austin has been a good wing player for the team as he has averaged 11 points while shooting over 50%  from the 3pt line and over 90% from the free throw line....F-C Aaron Perry returned this weekend from his foot injury, playing well and scoring 10 points in 18 minutes of action.

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Air Strikers beat Lake Michigan, move to tie for second place

     The Dayton Air Strkers won their second consecutive game (3-4)  in he PBL they beat the Lake Michigan Admirals 96-86 last night in Michigan. The Admirals jumped out early, holding a lead in the first quarter (26-22);  However the AirStrikers took command of the second and third quarters, outscoring the Admirals 56-35 and building a 15- point lead heading into the 4th quarter.

  

Lake Michigan fans get into the game

      The Strikers were led by William "Bo" Harris who dropped a season high 31 points with 6 rebounds in the win. The Strikers had four guys in double figures, with Brandon Hassell posting a double double (15 pts, 10 reb, 3 blocks). And while the Strikers didn't hit the century mark, they did hold a Lake Michigan team to 86, which is the Strikers best defensive game to date. Strikers G Avery Smith led the defensive charge with 5 steals to go along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists. The Admirals was led by Florentino Valencia with 25 points and 8 boards.


AirStrikers grinding on defense

    
      With the win the Air Strikers move into a tie for second in the East Division of the PBL. The Strikers host a game on Friday against the champion Rochester Razorsharks (8-1), then hit the road for a two game road trip.

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Dayton Air Strikers host PBL champion Rochester tonight

Air Striker G Leonard Mitchell shows his hops on D

     The Dayton Air Strikers will try to get back on the winning track as they will host the defending PBL champion Rochester Razorsharks tonight (7pm @Trent Arena Fairmont High School). The Air Strikers (1-3) have been unlucky on the road (0-3), but they are undefeated at home (1-0), as this will be a crucial game in the Air Strikers season as they continue to work on getting back in the top half of the division. The Razorsharks put some wood on the Air Strikers last week with solid defense, great teamwork, physical toughness, and a championship swagger that the Air Strikers weren't ready to deal with. However on a good note, former Wisconsin Milwaukee G Avery Smith will be available for this game, as he had his coming out party with 20 points in the loss to Rochester last week. With Smith at the shooting guard, and half-court shot maker William "Bo" Harris playing the 3, this should give the Air Strikers a offensive boost that will definitely help the team.

     The fans were a 6th man in the last home game against Charleston (who beat Rochester by the way) and will be in definite need tonight as they take on the Razorsharks who are coming off a 112-100 win over Lake Michigan. Rochester is 4-1 and lead the Eastern Division. Please come and support your local pro team.

Air Stiker fans enjoying the game

For tickets or info call  DCash  @  397 0491


Air Strikers next 3 home games

    Tonight        vs       Rochester    (4-1)  

   Jan    31st      vs       Scranton     (3-2)

   Feb    8th       vs      Charleston   (2-2)

Air Strikers win PBL season opener on last second shot, beat Charleston



Air Strikers and Gunners get ready for showtime

      The Dayton Air Strikers pulled out a dramatic 104-103 victory over the Charleston Gunners in the PBL opener for both teams. The Air Strikers have now won 8 straight contests (dating back to last season in IBL and preseason in PBL) . The Gunners and Air Strikers played a tense first half with Charleston contorolling the tempo and holding a slim lead at half...From from the 3rd quarter on, it was all Air Strikers as they controlled the second half.
 


     However with 2 minutes to go the Strikers lost a 7 point lead, as Gunner guards Will Collins, Mike Armstead and Vince Goldsberry dropped key buckets to make it look like Charleston would sneak a road victory in its opener. Down 102-97 after a Will Collins 3 pt dagger, the Strikers would get a free throw by William "Bo" Harris, and after the Gunners made 1 of 2 FT's the Air Strikers G Leonard Mitchell dropped a huge 3 to pull the Air Strikers within 1 (102-101); After a quick foul with 2 seconds left, the stage was set for the amazing finish (which should someday soon make it to ESPN TOP 10)

      After the Gunners missed the second attempt, "Bo" Harris grabbed the rebound, slid past two defenders and shot a 55 -foot heave from just past halfcourt that was a prayer - and was answered with a back rim swish as the Air Strikers had pulled out the come from behind victory. The Gunners team, coaches, and fans watched in shock while the Air Striker players, coaches, fans -and even the mascot -  in Trent Arena went crazy...Dayton Air Strikers 104, Charleston Gunners 103.

     After the game I was able to talk to former Trotwood High hooper and now Gunners Assistant Coach Kalan Smith, and he was also in disbelief. He did say that him and his troops will be looking forward to the next game, which will be a rematch on Sunday. He also felt like it was a great game.

    Mike Troll, Aaron Perry, Brandon Hassell and Daquan Walker were key players in the game while Harris will wear the hero tag. The shot was incredible, and if its any indication on how this season will go for the Air Strikers in the PBL, you might want to buckle up. Could be a wild ride.



Walker was a impact player on Friday