The Phoenix Flame is running out of fingernails at an alarming place. The team's last four games have been decided by a total of six points and Saturday night's game against the Portland Chinooks was no exception.

For the second straight night the Phoenix Flame scored 140 points but the Chinooks mustered out two more and beat the Flame 142-140 in overtime Saturday night at Moon Valley High School. The game was tied at 131 heading into the extra session before Portland outscored Phoenix 11-9 in overtime.

Phoenix (5-5) was paced by Damon King's 27 points including a 6-of-6 night from three-point range. Jamal Livingston chippd in 26 points and Larry Morinia added 20 points and seven assists in the losing effort.

Portland (9-3) got a game-high 34 points from Michael Parker on 13-of-19 from the field. David Lucas, the league's leading scorer, was held seven points below his average but still poured in 30 in the winning effort. Kenny Tate chipped in 26 points and B.J. Colas scored 23 to lift Portland to the win.

Portland outrebounded Phoenix 54-36 in the winning effort. Phoenix hit 17 three-pointers in 34 chances but fell short on the foul line. The Flame hit 25-of-37 from the stripe while Portland went 30-of-38.

The Flame has visited Splitsville on each of its last three series against Colorado, Santa Barbara and now Portland.

IBL MIDWEST DIVISION STANDINGS (as of May 12th)

Elgin                             7-3      .700    0.0 GB

Las Vegas                    4-2     .666     1.0 GB

Colorado                     10-6    .625     1.0 GB (Won seven straight games)

PHOENIX                    5-5     .500      2.0 GB

Hub City (TN)             3-8    .272       4.5 GB