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Rainmen Advance to NBL Canada Finals with Thrilling OT Victory

March 30, 2015 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Halifax Rainmen News Release


Halifax Rainmen vs. Island Storm
Halifax Rainmen vs. Island Storm
(Halifax Rainmen, Credit: Trevor MacMillan Photography)

(Halifax,NS): The Halifax Rainmen have punched their ticket to the National Basketball League of Canada Championship series with a thrilling 125-116 overtime winner over the Island Storm. Halifax closed out the series in five games over the Storm and head to the league finals for only the second time in their history.

Playing game five in a new venue, Saint Mary's University's Homburg Centre, the Rainmen came out looking like a team unsure of themselves, executing poor passing early in the first, allowing the Storm to build an eight point lead heading into the second quarter. Trailing 25-17 after one Halifax knew they couldn't allow the Storm to widen the gap too much, or they would risk dropping their second straight game. Despite their best attempts Halifax seemingly had no answer for the Storm's offense in the second, as the Island put up 29 points to take a commanding 54-36 lead into halftime. With their season on the line the Island Storm were playing like a team with purpose, while Halifax seemed to be outmatched in every aspect of the game.

The third quarter produced a simliar story to the third quarter in game four as the Rainmen came out of halftime looking like a completely different team. Thanks to PJ Foster's hot shooting from beyond the arc, Halifax was able to put up 38 points and head into the final frame only down 75-74. The fourth quarter saw the lead change several times as both teams played their most purposeful quarter of basketball all season long. As the seconds ticked away Halifax found themselves with the final possession but were unable to convert, leaving the game tied at 104 at the end of four quarters. Given the rivalry between these teams it was only fitting Game five would come down to overtime.

Halifax jumped out with a quick 7-0 run to start the overtime frame, and although the Storm would keep it close, they could never get back into it, eventually allowing the lead to get away from them as Halifax scored off several timely turnovers, securing the nine point victory, 125-116, and earning a berth in the NBL Canada Finals.

Kevin Young had a double double for the Rainmen with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Jermaine Dailey also had a double double, with 15 points and 10 rebounds. PJ Foster had 19 points, with 15 coming from beyond the arc. Nick Okorie had 35 huge points for the Island Storm. Brandon Robinson had a double double for the Storm, with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

The Halifax Rainmen now await the winner of the Central Division's Championship Series between the Windsor Express and the Brampton A's. The series is tied at one game a piece, with Game Three scheduled for Wednesday evening at 7pm EST.

Thank you Halifax for your incredible support through two rounds of fantastic playoff action.




Images from this story

Halifax Rainmen vs. Island Storm
Halifax Rainmen vs. Island Storm
(Trevor MacMillan Photography)		   

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National Basketball League of Canada Stories from March 30, 2015


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