Volcanoes enter playoffs on winning note

The defending International Basketball League champion Vancouver Volcanoes will be going into the playoffs on a high note after defeating the Salem Soldiers 140-129 in the regular-season finale Sunday at Clark College.

Andre Murray scored a game-high 35 points to go with 10 rebounds, and Antwan Williams had 33 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Volcanoes (10-8).

Devin Uskoski added 24 points and seven rebounds, and Josh Tarver had 13 points and 11 assists.

Vancouver, which won its final two games, will open the IBL playoff tournament on Thursday in Bellingham. The semifinal round is Friday and the championship on July 8.

VANCOUVER VOLCANOES 140, SALEM SOLIDERS 129

SALEM (8-10) — King 7-15 4-4 22, Largent 3-10 2-2 10, Skinner 6-13 3-4 16, Tapscott 7-15 8-10 22, Nelson 2-4 2-3 8, Dominguez 8-16 3-4 23, Johnson 3-9 1-8 9, Lozeau 8-12 0-0 16, Wallace 1-3 1-6 3. Totals 45-97 24-41 129.

VANCOUVER (10-8) — Nakashima 0-2 0-0 0, Troupe 5-10 3-4 14, Tarver 6-12 0-0 13, Hartman 9-17 14-14 33, West 2-6 0-2 5, Murray 14-23 3-4 35, Uskoski 10-19 2-4 24, Tiefenthaler 5-13 1-1 12, Christie 0-0 0-0 0, Moore 0-1 0-0 0, Keep 2-2 0-2 4. Totals 53-105 23-31 140.

Salem 38 31 27 33–129

Vancouver 39 23 26 42–140