By Tribune Staff

Link: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080215/SPORTS/802150342/1006/SPORTS

CASCADE — The Great Falls Explorers got even with the East Kentucky Miners Thursday night with a blistering 126-108 victory in CBA action at Cascade High.

The triumph, watched by about 350 fans, evened up the two-game series — the first pro hoop contests ever played here.

Six of the seven Great Falls players finished in double figures scoring, led by 6-4 guard Pele Paelay with 27 points and 6-7 swingman Mike Peeples with 26.

Peeples had a superb all-around effort, adding five blocked shots, four assists and two steals.

Explorers head coach Rick Turner called it "a huge win."

"We came out with better defensive intensity than last night and were able to get up on them early. That led to easy baskets, confidence."

Turner said the crowd was "very supportive and enthusiastic, a fun atmosphere. For a team that was on the road for 10 straight games, its kind of nice to have someone to cheer for you."

Junior Burrough added 22 points, Maurice Carter had 15, Jason Clark 14 (plus 14 rebounds), and Marlyn Bryant finished with 15 points.

Boo Jackson, who scored 40 points on Wednesday, led the Miners with 25. Josh Pace added 24, Jason McLeish 20 and Mike Dean 15.

The Explorers have games slated Saturday and Sunday against the Atlanta Krunk. Sunday afternoon's game will be played at Swarthout Fieldhouse (3:05 tipoff), but owner Michael Tuckman is scrambling for a gym to use on Saturday.

"We don't know anything yet, but we'll work something out," he said. "Cascade is booked, but we're going to talk to Fairfield."

Tuckman thanked Cascade athletic director Duane Gebhardt for his hospitality and said he would like to play at the Badgers' gym again.

"We'll pretty much barnstorm around Montana, playing for the gate, just like in the old days," said Tuckman.