In the start of what are two of the ABA's most promising franchises, the Palm Beach Imperials upset the favored Miami Tropics in the inaugural season opener for both teams.
[USPRwire, Mon Nov 13 2006] The game was a fierce battle with the Tropics jumping off to an early lead and leading 45-37 at halftime .
In the beginning of the 3rd quarter, the Tropics jumped off to an 8-0 run. But then, the Imperials caught fire from behind the 3-point arc and took the lead with 4 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter off an Anthony Hatcher 3-pointer.
During the 4th quarter the Imperials went up as many as 17 points, but then the Tropics, on the back of Guard Carlos Escalera, battled back to make it a 3 point game. Escalera led all scorers with 42 points on 12-21 shooting.
With some key free throws down the stretch and three-pointer by Palm Beach's Bobby St.-Preux with 40 seconds remaining, the Imperials pulled out a victory over the rival Tropics 102-112.
The Imperials were led in scoring by Bobby St.-Preux, who scored 24 points on 5-11 shooting from behind the 3-point line.
"It was our first game against this level of competition. I think that the guys got a true test as to what level they are on and what they need to work on in order to become better," stated Tropics Head Coach Ed Auricchio.
The Imperials, in victory, were cautious not to lose focus on the rest of the season.
"We won our first game, but we've got 36 more to go. We know that this season will be a difficult one, and the Tropics next game will attack us with everything they have. The only thing that I try to impress upon our guys is to give me everything that they have, and leave everything on the basketball court. No regrets," said Palm Beach Imperials General Manager and Head Coach Lamont Carr.
The Tropics will bounce back against the Jacksonville Jam on Monday Night at 7:30 in the University Arena at Nova Southeastern University.
About Miami Tropics
Founded by the Imperiali Organization ( www.imperiali.org ) in 2006, the Miami Tropics look to bring fan-friendly affordable ABA basketball to the community of Miami. The team is headed up by co-founder, Art "Pilin" Alvarez, a local community hero. The Tropics are entering into its inaugural season this November 2006, playing at the University Arena of Nova Southeastern University.
About Palm Beach Imperials
The Palm Beach Imperials (www.palmbeachimperials.com ) are Palm Beach's and Treasure Coast's only professional basketball team. The team looks to bring the worlds of music, entertainment, family and basketball to create a unique product for its fans. The team will play its inaugural season at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The Imperials feature mostly local hometown talent. The team is majority owned by the Imperiali Organization.
About Imperiali Organization
Imperiali Organization ( www.imperiali.org) is global development company, with diversified assets and holdings, connecting the leaders of tomorrow today. Currently the organization has taken interest in both in owned and operated businesses in the areas of internet search, public relations, merchandising, publishing, film, and sports as well as other non-affiliated companies. The Imperiali Organization is currently the official communications provider for Imperato For President 2008, www.daniel2008.com .
For More Inquiries:
i1connect
Imperiali Organization
Phone: 561-805-9494
Email: info@imperiali.org
www.imperiali.org
www.miamitropics.com
www.palmbeachimperials.com
The Imperials will play against a traveling Ukrainian basketball team, Wednesday Night at 7:30 in the Boca Raton High School Gymnasium.
