Bandits continue to give Swarm fits

Spencer Patterson

Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 | 9:53 a.m.

As it did last season, the St. Louis Swarm owns the top record in the International Basketball League, having brought a sparkling 12-2 mark into Thursday night's game at the Thomas & Mack.

The Swarm's only problem? Matching up with the Las Vegas Bandits. The Bandits, the only team to defeat St. Louis this season, made it three straight against the Swarm with a 100-89 victory.

"You've got to be tough, you've got to execute and you've got to guard their 3-point shooters (to beat them)," Las Vegas coach Lionel Hollins said. "They had a couple of guys out tonight, and that worked to our advantage and we took advantage."

The Swarm played without a pair of starters, point guard Lazarus Sims and forward Derek Grimm, both of whom are nursing injuries. Bandits point guard Eddie Gill exploited Sims' absence throughout the night, dishing out 10 assists to go with 16 points and two steals.

"We did a good job of taking care of the ball," Hollins said. "My whole team played well. I have no qualms about the way anyone played."

After a tight first half that saw six lead changes and seven ties, Las Vegas (10-7) appeared to take control with a 14-6 third-quarter run that stretched a 62-61 lead into a 76-66 advantage.

But the visitors stormed back to pull within one point, 82-81, midway through the final quarter on Danny Johnson's runner in the lane.

J.R. Henderson, who led all scorers with 26 points, then scored six of the Bandits' next 11 points to help them salt away the win. Henderson wound up 10-of-12 from the foul line and also grabbed 12 rebounds.

DeeAndrew Hulett added 20 points for Las Vegas, with Isaac Burton (13) the fourth Bandit in double figures.

Johnson led the Swarm with 20 points, followed closely by Doug Smith (19), Doc Robinson (14) and Maurice Carter (13). Byron Houston finished with a game-high 16 rebounds, with eight coming in the first quarter.

The Bandits travel to Cincinnati for a Saturday game before returning home to host Trenton Monday night, following the Bishop Gorman-Durango boys basketball contest at 6 p.m. at the T&M.