Anderson's Return Sparks Mill Rats
February 1, 2012 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats, presented by Rogers, beat the Moncton Miracles on Wednesday evening at Harbour Station, in front of a crowd of 1,899 with a final score of 90-80.
The Mill Rats opened their lead by a three pointer from Anthony Anderson, who returned to the court this evening after being out with an injury for the past seven games. Anderson broke his hand in their away game against Moncton on January 3rd and has been recuperating ever since.
The Mill Rats closed the first quarter with a lead over the Moncton Miracles, 22-14.
In the second quarter, the Mill Rats gained momentum and were able to increase their lead to a double digit spread, ending the half 42-28.
During third quarter action, the Moncton Miracles were able to narrow the Mill Rats lead to a single digit spread, closing the third with, 63-55.
The Mill Rats saw great minutes from Modibo Diarra who, with just under eight minutes left in the game, pulled off two consecutive dunks, bringing their lead to 73-62. The first was set up for him by team member Kevin Francis.
The Miracles fought back and managed to close their lead to within five points with just under five minutes remaining but the Mill Rats controlled the ball and their lead until the buzzer.
When asked how Modibo Diarra felt about his two consecutive dunks and great play tonight, he replied, "It felt great - this game I did something I really needed to do. The team needed that win so I just had to get out there and help the team as much as possible."
Leading scorers for the Mill Rats was Darren Duncan with 17 points, Kevin Francis with 16 and Anthony Anderson with 15. Anderson also contributed 7 assists and 7 rebounds.
The Miracles were led by Darrell Wonge and Terrence Woodyard with 16 points each and Akeem Wright with 14.
The Mill Rats improve to 13-14 on the season while the Miracles fall to 7-20.
The Mill Rats also took part in the "Raising the Roof Campaign"; Canada's national charity dedicated to long-term solutions to homelessness. The Mill Rats donned the red toques during warm up to create awareness for a soon to be built Saint John Youth House. "We were extremely happy the Mill Rats took part in the campaign. We were able to sell about 45 toques at the game tonight," said Colin McDonald from the Human Development Council.
Catch the Mill Rats in action again on Thurs, Feb 9th at 7pm as they take on the Quebec Kebs. The Mill Rats will be wearing limited pink jerseys for the game which will be autographed and auctioned off in support of breast cancer.
The Mill Rats host the Summerside Storm on Friday evening, Feb. 10th at 7pm. Don't miss an exciting promo at the Saint John Ale House from 3pm-6pm for the chance to win floor seats to the game! Buy a Moosehead beverage during Mill Rats Happy Hour for the chance to be entered into a draw for tickets.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from February 1, 2012
- Oshawa Power Win Both on and off the Court for Cure on the Court Night - Mississauga Power
- Anderson's Return Sparks Mill Rats - Saint John Riptide
- Miracles Tumble to the Mill Rats - Moncton Miracles
- Oshawa Power Sign Canadian Forward Shawn Gray - Mississauga Power
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