By Tribune Staff

Link: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071209/SPORTS/712090332/1006/SPORTS

The Rio Grande Valley Silverados acquired a new head coach and their first CBA victory Saturday night, at the expense of the Great Falls Explorers.

The Silverados, under the direction of Derrick Rowland, edged the Explorers 87-82 before about 250 fans at Four Seasons Arena. It was the first win in 11 games for the Texas team, while Great Falls dropped to 2-9. The Silverados picked up 5.5 points to 1.5 for the Explorers, who tied the second period and won the fourth.

The teams meet again this afternoon at 3:05.

Rio Grande Valley was playing its first game for Rowland, who replaced Steve Tucker, fired after Thursday's loss in Butte. Rowland stayed in Great Falls after spending Wednesday and Thursday on the bench assisting head coach Micheal Ray Richardson with the Oklahoma Cavalry.

The Explorers got off to a woeful start, being outscored 19-12 in the first quarter as the Silverados went on an 11-0 run. Great Falls got four points and three rebounds the first period from 6-7 forward Mike Chavez of Browning, whose four-minute stretch was his longest of the season.

Rod Nealy, a 6-6 forward, led the winners with 26 points including 14 foul shots. Demorris Smith and Mike Dean combined for 39 points.

Nate Green, a 6-6 forward, topped the Explorers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Cody Toppert added 14 markers. Chavez finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Keith Salscheider, the Explorers' top scorer, didn't play because of injury.

Before the game, Great Falls cut veteran forward Eric Strand, who was averaging about 10 points per game, and brought up 6-8 Omar Guinea from the injured reserve list. Guinea contributed no points and one rebound.