Ellington

The Jackson Rage opened its inaugural season with an 87-86 victory over the Kentucky Reach Friday night at Elizabethtown, Ky. Former Mississippi State star and Russian refugee Mario Austin scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Rage. The fledgling WBA experienced growing pains in the days leading up to the league's debut on Thursday. One team, the Tunica Gamblers, folded, and another relocated from Chattanooga to Bristol, Tenn. The Rage had to adjust its schedule, but the team will still play its season opener on May 15 at Jackson State.