Fish House barely avoid being fish food

BY MIKE PEDEN

The El-Amin Fish House took their toughest test yet in Howard Pulley Pro City Summer League action Thursday night at the St. Paul Salvation Army gym against Troy Hudson Enterprises.

Even without their captain on the roster, the Fish House passed the test in 39 minutes, beating the Enterprises 116-109 to keep their undefeated status.

Former Gopher Dan Coleman led the Fish House (5-0) with 28 points, but said his team got lucky at crunch time.

"They just had a couple bad breaks at the end and we were fortunate enough to hit our free throws," he said.

Hudson's team (2-3), who won a tough game Monday against the Magic, played their most inspiring basketball yet. Just when it appeared one team would get a cushion, the opponent stopped the mini-run to keep the game close. The Enterprises were in front at the end of the first three quarters.

The third quarter alone had 12 lead changes and one tie. Former NBA player Troy Hudson played a big role in those stats, shooting seven of seven from the free throw line en route to a 20-point quarter after scoring just six points in the first half.

Despite scoring only six points in the fourth, Hudson was the game's high scorer with 32.

"I knew they were shorthanded," he said. "I wanted to come out and have a big third quarter while their guards were a little fatigued."

At the end of the fourth, the Enterprises could not make their shots and were forced to play foul and chase, where the Fish House nailed enough free throws to stop any chance of an upset.

"They attacked the basket more than we did," Hudson said. "They got some guys coming off the bench crashing the boards, scrambling for loose balls. They got a complete team and they play together."

Minnesota recruit Royce White added 21 points for the Enterprises. He is also the only Gopher to have a former NBA player for a teammate. Hudson is hoping his NBA experience will improve White's skills as the two get close to wrapping up the season.

"I've played with some of the better foremen in the world with Kevin Garnett and Karl Malone, and I know some things they did that I'm trying to pass on to him," Hudson said. "He's listening."

The Fish House begins their final week with B2X next Monday at 7:00 p.m. and the Enterprises will play the Errol Carlstrom Playaz next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.