Chargers dropped in season opener.

Byline: Adam Jude The Register-Guard

Many in the near-capacity crowd showed up early wearing their Oregon colors, hoping to perhaps catch a glimpse of the magic that propelled the Ducks deep into the NCAA Tournament.

Adam Zahn showed up, too, only to be introduced before the game as ... Jay Anderson?

Oops.

Things eventually turned around for the former Duck in his professional debut. Not so for the Eugene Chargers, who fell 141-129 to the Salem Stampede in their International Basketball League season opener Friday night before about 800 fans at the Morse Event Center.

"We gave up a 10-point first-half lead, and that's tough to take," Chargers first-year coach Scott Jones said. "We gave a spotty defensive effort the entire game."

Zahn, a 6-foot-8 forward who completed his college eligibility when the Ducks completed their NCAA Tournament run, was clearly an attraction for most in attendance - despite the mix-up during the pregame introductions. The announcer quickly corrected the mistake, and Zahn received a warm ovation. (Anderson, another former Duck, will join the Chargers later this month.)

After taking two weeks off at home in Redondo Beach, Calif., Zahn returned to Eugene earlier this week. He signed with the Chargers on Wednesday, practiced with the team for the first time Thursday, then played about 30 minutes off the bench Friday.

"It's been a hectic month," Zahn said after finishing with 18 points and eight rebounds.

"I liked this situation, and I like the staff and my teammates. I thought this was a good opportunity for me," Zahn said. "(But) it was obviously our first night together."

Starting center Lamar Harris had a dunk and Jamar Bohannon followed with a layup to give the Chargers a 40-29 lead with 9:08 to go in the second quarter.

Salem closed the half on a 22-10 run to take a 64-58 halftime lead.

Eugene never got closer than six in the second half, and the Stampede took their largest lead at 125-107 with 5:14 remaining.

Zahn played most of the second half, when he scored 14 points.

"I'm not used to playing this much," said Zahn, who averaged 2.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 9.5 minutes per game for the Ducks this past season. "It's a much different pace than college. The 22-second shot clock really changes things. ... I need to get my game legs back."

Aaron Eneas had 20 points to lead the Chargers, who were 14-for-32 from the free-throw line.

Harris had 15 points and 12 rebounds, Charles Easterling had 19 points and Tryian Ridges had 10 assists.

Salem's Blake Walker, a Portland State product, scored a game-high 34 points.

"We need to focus on getting back (on defense) and staying with our man," Jones said. "But all in all, it was a strong effort."

Zahn closed the game with an emphatic - albeit meaningless - two-handed jam.

Most of the crowd was gone by then.

"Adam played extremely well," Jones said. "He's going to become a focal point for our offense, and he's going to dominate inside in this league."

The Chargers host Tacoma in a 7:15 game tonight.