Blue Ducks win thriller over Cedar Rapids
Published on May 30, 2004 under United States Basketball League (USBL)
Brevard Blue Ducks News Release
Melbourne, Florida â When you here thunder, you'll always find lightning. That saying was very true at the Clemente Center on Sunday night as the Brevard Blue Ducks used a little bit of each to help them defeat the visiting Cedar Rapids River Raiders.
The Blue Ducks made use of their home court advantage as a raucous crowd waving and clapping their Thunderstix, unnerved the visiting Cedar Rapids team and helped the Blue Ducks to a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory.
"The crowd and the Thunderstix were huge tonight for us," crowed team owner, Mike Richman. "The fans never gave up on us. It was just deafening in there. They really rattled the other team and inspired us to victory."
The visiting team showed up sporting a 12-7 record and a third-place standing in the rugged Midwest division. The home team, hobbled in at 3-17 and in last place in the east. But that didn't matter to the Ducks â or their fans - as they played the Cedar Rapids River Raiders even in regulation, before finally defeating them in OT, 107-100.
The Blue Ducks seemed inspired at the game's beginning, jumping off to a commanding 15-3 lead, but Cedar Rapids fought back to within 28-24 by the end of the first quarter. They finished the half up 52-48 over the Ducks.
"I told our guys that tonight was a night that we weren't going to quit," exclaimed Ducks head coach, Robert Reid. "We were going to fight to the end."
And fight they did. Down by ten, 73-63, after three quarters, the lead stood at nine points for Cedar Rapids as the clock wound down to under three minutes.
Then it happened. As quick as lightning.
Ignited by a clutch three-pointer by Teddy Dupay, Brevard went on a 10-1 run to tie the visitors at 91-all at the end of regulation. Then Tony Bland took over, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor and 3-for-3 at the line for 11 points in overtime to lead the Ducks to victory.
Brevard's rookie sensation Bland finished with a game-high 25 points. Teddy Dupay chipped in 19. Toshiro Germany netted 18 to go along with 15 rebounds.
Brian Bracey led Cedar Rapids with 21 points.
"It was a great way to end the homestand," yelled one young fan. "I can't wait until they get back."
DUCK NOTES: It was Orlando Magic night Sunday with the Blue Ducks handing out collectible Tracy McGrady Louisville Slugger baseball bats to the first 100 kids attending.
"With the way Tony Bland played," remarked one fan, "It should have been Tony Bland bat night."
Brevard travels to Florence, NC on Wednesday and then to New York on Thursday before returning home for their final homestand of the season, finishing their 2004 campaign with games June 5th, 6th and 13th.
United States Basketball League Stories from May 30, 2004
- Blue Ducks win thriller over Cedar Rapids - Brevard Blue Ducks
- USBL Transactions - USBL
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