The Vancouver Titans inaugural season has come to an end after the team lost to the Snohomish County Explosion 124-111 on Wednesday night in Monroe, Washington.

The game was part of the first round of the IBL playoff tournament, which is a single-elimination format — only the winner plays again.

The Titans started slowly and found themselves in a hole early. Not even two minutes into the action, coach David Petroziello called his only timeout of the quarter to settle his team down.

The call worked. The Titans started to execute their game-plan, and took a one-point lead with a little more than two minutes left in the first quarter.

That tenacity would spark a seesaw battle that lasted three quarters, and saw the two teams exchange leads an incredible 18 times.

But the win was not to be, as the Titans hit cold iron down the stretch.

They headed into the game with a short-handed line-up due to injury.

Among the missing players were big men, Richard Anderson and Jeremy McCulloch, and power forward Matt Rachar, three of their strongest down low players.

Newly signed guard Casey Archibald started to hit, dropping three straight from beyond the arc en route to an impressive 21-point performance. James Hudson had the best of the night at 27 points.

The burden of being an expansion team may have played a factor in Wednesday night’s defeat, but Petroziello reflects positively on his team’s first foray into the IBL post-season.

“It’s a learning experience for everyone,” said Petroziello. “I think we have a greater appreciation of what you need to win at this level.”

And that means big things for the 2010 season.

If the strides the Vancouver Titans made over the course of their first season are any indication, local hoops fans can look forward to another exciting year in season two.

The Titans newest addition, Archibald contributed major points, rebounds and assists as the Langley-based team headed into the playoffs.

A B.C. native, Casey was a standout with the UBC Thunderbirds, where he was named CIS Most Valuable Player for 2007.

“It will be fun to play back in Canada again,” said Archibald before returning to his home and native land from Europe’s b-ball league. “It’s always nice playing in front of fans and friends that you know, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Archibald is coming off a standout 2008-2009 season with WBC Kraftwerk Wels of Austria’s first division. There, he averaged double digit points per game while helping his team win the league championship.

“[Winning the championship] was a pretty amazing experience,” says Archibald. “The fans and town were all so excited to be a part of it.”

Archibald joins some familiar faces on the Titans.

“I have played with or against nearly every player on the roster,” says Archibald. “Either in high school or college, I have seen all of the players for the most part and am looking forward to being able to play with them after a few seasons away.”

Archibald made his IBL debut in Yamhill, Oregon, playing two outstanding road games before making his home court debut last Monday, June 29 at the Langley Events Centre. The Titans lost against top-ranking Edmonton Energy 129-100. More than 600 people packed the game.

On June 26, the Titans walked away with a 124-92 win against Oregan. Archibald made his first appearance, contributing 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Brian Banman also had a good game, finishing with the same stat-line as Archibald of 16, 5 and 4. Archibald says he is enthusiastic about being a part of the Titans organization.

Archibald led the way in the next road game with 31 points on 10 of 19 shooting in only 29 minutes.

“It’s great that [the Titans] are able to give basketball fans another chance to see a high level of basketball in the province, outside of the CIS,” says Casey.