The fans got what they came out for, as Charlotte won a seesaw 115-105 victory over Portland. "What a great game to have been a part of," said Charlotte star Bailey. "The momentum kept changing and neither team really had a chance to run away with the game. It just came down to having more in the tank at the end, and that was us."

Portland coach Bob was less enthusiastic about the game. "We had our chances to win the game, but didn't convert them. I'm most bothered that it seemed like we faded down the stretch; I think we may need to spend a little more time working on conditioning in the future. Regardless, it was a great game. Bailey and [Portland star] Allbritton really put on a show for the fans."

Charlotte was led by Bailey (22 points, 16 boards, 6 assists, a block), Vance (27 points, 9 boards, 1 assists, 3 blocks), Foster (21 points, 2 steals). Portland was led by Allbritton (28 points, 11 boards, 2 assists, a steal, 5 blocks), Shealey (22 points, 7 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals, a block), Harris (20 points, a block).

Charlotte improve to 45-24 and 27-8 at home. They stay at #1 in the Southeast and hold at #3 overall in the Eastern Conference. Portland fall to 30-38 after today's defeat. They hold at #4 in the Northwest and stay at #12 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Charlotte roster Portland roster