THE OCCASIONAL ORBITER Hi, hello and welcome fellow Cowboys of the Space variety to the show that never ends, known as your occasional reading. **** Cowboys Get Much Needed Win **** The Space Cowboys defeated the Winnelson "thuggy thuggs" in a "must win" situation Tuesday night fifty-four (54) to fifty (50). The 'boys snapped a three (3) game skid with the victory and pulled their record back to an even .500 at three (3) wins, three (3) losses. After defeating Winnelson convincingly earlier in the season the 'boys were expecting to make quick work of them, but the "thuggy thuggs" were not going to roll over and die, and they got that message across quickly. They began the game by knocking down consecutive three (3) point baskets and by getting a putback down low, just like that the home team fell behind eight (8) to nothing (0). It took a few minutes for the Space Cowboys to regroup themselves and though they improved their play they still were not on their perverbial "game". The shots weren't falling and second chances were not to be had. On the other hand, the "thuggy thuggs" were getting "rolls" left and right and were not missing many shots from "downtown". But even with the seemingly lopsided play, the 'boys were able to go into the half knotted up at twnety-eight (28), thanks to Keith Lubbers. With just seconds remaining and the "thuggs" holding for a last shot, Mr. Lubbers snatched the ball away and while throwing up a "prayer" from just inside half court he was fouled. He proceeded to connect on two (2) of three (3) free throws to even the score. The second half ws not much improved for the 'boys on the offensive end, but they picked up the slack on the defensive end, and that was the difference in the game. They simply held the "thuggy thuggs" to fewer points in said second half than they themselves scored. The game still came down to the final minutes. With a one point advantage on consecutive possesions none other than Jeremy Jeffries stepped up to sink two (2) three (3) pointers to put the game away. Mr. Jeffries did have the opportunity to further solidify the lead, but failed to hit the front end of the one (1) plus (+) one (1) with under a minute remaining. Nonetheless, the Space Cowboys walked away with a much need victory and a little momentum going into the tough end of the schedule. A couple bright spots for the 'boys: The return of BMBK was a triumphant one as he scored six (6) points on three (3) of four (4) shooting. Dave Iles also put in six (6), on three (3) of five (5) shooting. **** Box Score February 19th, 2002 **** Name No. Fgm Fga 3ptm 3pta Ftm Fta TP K.Lubbers 10 1 3 1 3 2 3 5 Iles 11 3 5 0 1 0 1 6 N.Lubbers 23 7 15 3 10 0 0 17 Jeffries 24 5 15 2 8 1 4 11 Ash 30 3 12 3 10 2 2 11 Keene 44 3 4 0 0 0 0 6 Totals 142 22 54 9 32 5 10 54 41% 28% 50% Attendance: 4 (Batsche, Keene, Kidd, Misty) Season Attendance: 29 Special Thanks to Scorekeeper Christina Batsche **** Next Game Tuesday February 26th, 2002 **** The Space Cowboys will be in action once again next Tuesday, February 26th at Sports of All Sorts in Florence at 11 P.M. The 'boys will be taking on the SOAS "thuggy thuggs". They will be looking to avenge the two (2) point overtime loss they suffered in their only other meeting this season. This is going to be a tough week of practive for the home team. After their showing against Winnelson they will have to be much improved if they hope to have chance to earn a "W" against SOAS and continue the quest for their first ever SOASTNLC (Sports of All Sorts Tuesday Night League Championship). If the team is thinking that they need a litlte extra motivation for next weeks game, here it is. It has just been learned that in light of his heroic acts in the apprehension of Fella Lee, Buddy Lee has been invited to attend next weeks matchup between the Space Cowboys and "thuggy thuggs". And to show their appreciation for all his hard work and dedication to the Space Cowboys organization Mr. Lee will be presented with the Golden Orange Lanyard, the highest honored ever bestowed upon a member of the Cowboy Family. Also, prior to tipoff you can have your picture taken with Buddy Lee and perhaps say together, "Can't Bust 'Em!" So come on out to the "big arean by the highway" to enjoy great basketball in even greater company. That's next Tuesday February 26th at 11 P.M. Doors will open at 10:30 with pregame festivities following at 10:31. Occasional Orbiter must be presented to recieve picture. Cameras not provided. All participants of the Buddy Lee picture day are subject to the rules and regualtions of the Space Cowboys Organization, along with the Lee Corporation. One picture per fan per visit. No autographs will be permitted. Valid only at participating locations. Retail value 1/27 of a cent. **** News and Notes **** Injury Report: It seems that Dave Iles is suffering from a mental illness simliar to that of Shaqille O' Neal. Mr. Iles has failed to connect on any of his three (3) free throw attempts. He is being looked at by the top doctors in the organization....Double Digits: Michael Ash extended his double figures scoring streak to eleven by putting in eleven in the 'boys victory Tuesday night. He just needs two more games to tie the franchise record. Speaking of double digit streaks: Jeremy Jeffries tied his career high by scoring in double figures in back to back games. Ben Keene has now gone 21 straight games without scoring in double figures. Dave Iles has never scored in double figures. Nick Lubbers has had double digit shot attempts in ten straight games and in 30 of 36 games. Keith Lubbers has done so just once in 25 games. That will do it for this edition of the Occasional Orbiter, don't forget to send us any questions, commesnts or suggestions at occasionalorbiter@hotmail.com. Or swing by the Space Ranch, the officail internet home of the Space Cowboys at http://www.geocities.com/spaceranch2001. Editor-in-Chief Nick "Stud" Lubbers Space Cowboys are the Coolest