SaberCats Slash Talons 42-33

Tulsa led early, but San Jose struck late, handing the Talons their fourth loss of the season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:21 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Apr 17, 2011 5:9 PM CDT

Wesley Coburn
Oklahoma Sports Student MOJO

TULSA, Oklahoma -- This season has been a struggle for the Tulsa Talons. After their roster was dismantled during the offseason due to players leaving for other teams, they had to rebuild if they wanted to remain a contender in the Arena Football League.

Since then, Tulsa head coach Mitch Allner has been mixing and stirring, trying to find a combination of players that work well together and win games. The Talons played well early, but the experience of San Jose veteran quarterback Mark Grieb –an arena football legend- was too much to overcome, as he guided the SaberCats to a 42-33 win inside the BOK Center.

After receiving the opening kickoff, a 44 yard pass on the game’s first play set up a three-yard touchdown pass from Matt Bassuener to Darrell Davis. San Jose dropped the ball, where the Talons’ J.C. Neal pounced on it. That led to a seven-yard TD from Bassuener to Troy McBroom.

San Jose retaliated with a 20-yard strike to the end zone, giving the Talons a 14-7 advantage after the first quarter.

Victor DeGrate corralled a SaberCat pass, which turned into a eight yard pass TD pass from Bassuener to Al Hunt, making it 21-7. Fred Shaw intercepted a San Jose pass, however Tulsa fumbled on the next play.

San Jose trimmed to 21-13 after a nine yard pass, but Juan Bongarra nailed a 23-yard kick between the nets, and the Talons led 24-14 at halftime.

The SaberCats owned the third quarter, scoring back-to-back touchdowns and to go ahead 28-24. Bongarra made a 29 yard field goal, but San Jose led 35-27 at the end of the third quarter.

Bassuener tossed a six yard touchdown to McBroom, but the two point pass fell incomplete, putting Tulsa down 35-33.

San Jose whisked the game away when San Jose fullback Chad Cook ran into the end zone for a second time and Tulsa’s rally attempt fell short with a missed field goal.

Tulsa(1-4) will look to get another win Saturday night, as they host Central Division foe Iowa at 7:00 p.m., who is coming off a 50-49 loss to Chicago.