Tusla Newspaper~

Quote:
Spokane's fans, like Tulsa's, are good at bothering opponents by pumping up the volume. And there's more of them.

The Shock averages more than 10,000 spectators in the Spokane Arena, where they are 34-6 over the team's first four season.

"It's a big advantage. We love playing in front of our fans," Shock head coach Adam Shackleford said. But Shackleford added that the large throng also has a way of energizing visiting teams.

The Talons faced a crowd of nearly 12,000 in a 73-68 loss at Iowa on April 4. Head coach Mitch Allner wants to keep things quieter this time.

"It's key for us to get off to a quick start and keep their crowd out of the game as much as we can. If we can do that, we'll have a good chance of winning," Allner said.

Summit meeting: Saturday's game is the first between af2's winningest franchises.

Tulsa has more wins (134) than any team since the league was formed in 2000, and the Shock has the best winning percentage (64-10, .865) since joining in 2006.

"Since I've been in Spokane, people have talked about what it would be like to play Tulsa," Shackleford said. "I think there's a respect between the teams, and you always want to play the best, so you can find out what kind of team you have."

Can't wait to be LOUD the whole game!

GO SHOCK!!!