Bulls look to get back in the W column against Erie

By Colin Mieczkowski



The Windy City Bulls will be taking on the struggling Erie Bayhawks, on Saturday, Jan. 28, as the Bulls hope to continue their climb out of the cellar. In a big man’s game, the Bulls are lucky to have two solid ones with Alfonzo McKinnie and Alec Brown.

McKinnie has arguably been the Bulls’ best player lately, while Brown, who has had an up and down season, has played well recently. He’s been getting rebounds and scoring points which he’s capable of doing.

He has scored a total of 40 points in three of his last four games, including an impressive 14 point, 15 rebound effort against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants during the D-League Showcase. Mickinnie can also stroke shots, as he has made 19 three pointers this year among other stats.

10 of those made threes were between 25 and 29 ft long. He’s an amazing 61% from inside the paint to go along with his floor stretching ability.

So, with the giant duo taking the court, and both playing well, the Bulls shouldn’t have too much trouble with the Bayhawks and their lovely jerseys (seriously) on Saturday night. With Aaron Thomas back in the fold, he can help provide a heavy dose of scoring like he has done all year.

However, the Bayhawks shouldn’t be taken too lightly. Gabe York, who helped the Arizona Wildcats reach their second Elite Eight as a Sophomore, is averaging 17 points a game.

This is good enough to rank within the top 40 players in the D-League (32nd). So, despite the unfortunate season the Bayhawks are having, they have their shining light, and he’s pretty dangerous.

Coach Nate Loenser, knows how good of an offensive team Erie can be.

“Erie is a good offensive team” Loenser said. “Their front line opposes some challenges for us, especially with Zimmerman being on assignment from the Orlando Magic”.

Coach Loenser also mentioned that York will be a tough challenge for them.

“They have some outside scoring which is hard to contain” Loenser said. “Gabe York who they picked up mid-season has been a lethal scorer for them, especially the last few games”.


The best way to neutralize York, is by limiting his three point shots. He’s shooting an amazing 47% from the field, including 43% from three-point land. He did however, go 0-5 from beyond the arc in the Bayhawks last contest against the Long Island Nets.

He can also dish the rock off as well, but the Bayhawks will likely want to utilize his shooting abilities. If the Bulls can slow his outside shots down, and if the bigs continue to play well, then they will give the Bayhawks a hard time.

But, both teams are hungry, as they both try the escape the depths of last place. It’s also good to note that Bulls legend Bill Cartwright will be in attendance at the Sears Centre on Saturday.

Perhaps the WC Bulls can rub greatness off of a champion?

Be sure to listen to all home games and read about the squad on your official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.

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