3 January 1955

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats Suffer ‘Bad Slump’ Before 3,280

Milwaukee Downs Syracuse Pros

If the Nationals needed proof that spirit and hustle is still needed to
win ball games, it was provided by the lowly Milwaukee Hawks as they handed the
sluggish Syracusans a 91-79 lacing at the War Memorial last night. The loss,
third of the season for the Nats at home, came after a weak team exhibition
before 3,280 paying clients. Milwaukee, on the other hand, played an inspired
game. It is fortunate that Syracuse enjoys a two-game advantage over Boston and
New York in the Eastern Division chase. Only one of the next four Nats games is
at home, and three of the tests are with Minneapolis, which already has a 3-1
edge over the Syracusans. Thursday the Lakers invade the War Memorial which
will be dark Sunday night. Saturday the Nats and Lakers tangle in Minneapolis
with Syracuse due at Milwaukee Sunday and back in Minneapolis one week from
tomorrow before heading home again. The weak Nats’ play, coupled with incessant
whistle tooting as officials called 61 personal fouls, sent many of the fans
out of the War Memorial long before the finish. Bob Harrison was the sparkplug
for Milwaukee. He connected for 12 baskets in 21 tries, and nine of his hoops
were long looping one-handers. He finished with a total of 30 points to lead
game scorers. If there was a single bright spot in the showing of the Nats it
was the fact that Frank Selvy, high scoring visiting rookie, finished with the lowest
point total as a pro, being limited to one foul conversion. He started, but did
not see action in the entire second half, and was credited with only 11 minutes
playing time. Coach Red Holzman found his veterans performing in spirited style
to hinder the Nats and used Alex Hannum, Chuck Share, Harrison, Lew Hitch and
Bill Calhoun throughout most of the second half as the Hawks pulled away to a
commanding lead. When Hannum was not in play he served as cheerleader from the
bench to keep his mates keyed. The score was knotted 12 times before Milwaukee
pulled in front to stay at 61-60 near the end of the third period. The Hawks
held a 69-60 advantage before Syracuse scored again in the final period. The
Nats went seven minutes of the last session with only one field goal. By then
Milwaukee was in front, 77-63, and the final minutes were devoted to foul
trading. Before the game the Hawks displayed pep and dash during the warmup
drill. Coach Red Holzman listened to the chatter and commented: “Vocal warmups are
as necessary as practice shots in working up team spirit.” Jocko Collins,
referee-in-chief, is at a loss to explain the sudden outbreak of fouling
throughout the loop. “Perhaps our officials are looking for violations, but
they have not been told to be more exciting,” he commented. Collins admitted
possibly the more “walking” calls was due to a reminder officials were lax in
detecting extra steps. There is a possibility that the N.B.A. will test Des
Moines as a future loop entry by playing two games in the Iowa city this
season. Pinky George, promoter, is attempting to book Minneapolis against
Philadelphia and New York in Des Moines. Bob Harrison’s 30 points equaled the
high total by a visiting player at the War Memorial this year. Larry Foust had
30 for Fort Wayne in the Zollners only visit.

MILWAUKEE: Pettit, lf (2-10-14), Calhoun, rf (2-7-11), Hannum (2-5-9), Hitch (4-1-9), Share, c (4-4-12), Cooper (1-1-3), Selvy, lg (0-1-1), Harrison (12-6-30) TOTALS (27-33-91). SYRACUSE: Schayes, lf (7-7-21), Rocha, rf (4-4-12), Simmons (1-3-5), Lloyd, c (1-1-3), Kerr (3-2-8), Seymour, lg (2-12-16), King (2-1-5), Kenville, rg (1-2-4), Farley (0-5-5) TOTALS (21-37-79).

Free throws missed- Pettit 2, Hannum, Harrison 3, Hitch, Share, Kerr 2, King 3, Kenville, Schayes, Rocha, Seymour.