Burks Hot Streak Powers Mill Rats to Brink of Playoffs
February 23, 2012 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
Saint John, NB - Antonio Burks' hot streak powered the Saint John Mill Rats to the brink of an the NBL Canada playoff berth, 127-115, in front of 1,994 fans at Harbour Station.
Burks nailed 6 of 7 three pointers in the first half and led all scorers at the half with 20 points.
Saint John made a strong statement about their playoff aspirations by leading the game from wire to wire. They outscored the Power in every quarter except for the last.
In first quarter action, the Mill Rats jumped ahead 11-4 with 8 minutes remaining after a few baskets from Stanley Ocitti and Darren Duncan. The Power were able to come back and close the quarter trailing behind Saint John 24-22.
Oshawa's Omari Johnson opened up the second quarter, tying the game, but it was quickly answered by a three pointer from Antonio Burks. Burks continued to nail down 5 three pointers in the second quarter. Oshawa called a timeout with 4:09 left before half after a big play by Burks stealing the ball and passing off to Kevin Francis who in turn, passed it off to Anthony Anderson for 2. This gave the Mill Rats a 9 point lead, 49-40.
Mill Rats guards Anthony Anderson and Darren Duncan played together well, setting each other up for a basket, continuing the Mill Rats run, 51-40. After an and 1 play by Anderson, the Power were finally able to get a basket off a free throw, ending the Mill Rats run, 56-41. The Mill Rats closed the half 60-48.
Anderson came alive in the third quarter netting 14 points for the Mill Rats. Stanley Ocitti contributed 8 points and 5 rebounds in the third as well. The Mill Rats closed the quarter leading 93-75.
The Power fought back in the last quarter but weren't able to make a comeback. With 2:44 remaining in the game, Mill Rats PJ Young and Power's Omari Johnson both received technical fouls. Mill Rats Courtland Bluford was able to contribute 7 points for the 7 minutes he played during the last quarter.
Anthony Anderson led the Mill Rats with 25 points, 11 assists and 4 rebounds, almost securing a triple double. Antonio Burks contributed 22 points (18 of these were three pointers), and Stanley Ocitti netted 16.
Oshawa Power was led by Tut Ruach with 23 points, 11 assists and 5 boards, while Brandon Robinson and Omari Johnson netted 21 each.
The Mill Rats rise to 16-17 while the Power fall to 14-20.
Prior to the game, the Mill Rats hosted a special VIP Event for season ticket holders and sponsors. A special thank you to Uptown Saint John, the official sponsor for the event and to Decimal 81, Blossoms and Piece O' Cake. Over 100 people turned out for this special event. Thank you to all those who invest in the team!
The Mill Rats travel to Halifax to take on the Rainmen tomorrow evening at 7:30pm. Watch the game online via the Mill Rats website www.millratsbasketball.ca
Catch the Mill Rats in action next week on Thursday evening at 7pm as they host the Oshawa Power again for a fight to keep their playoff position. Game theme is set to "Sham Rock The House".
Mill Rats single game and flex tickets are still available at the Harbour Station box office 657-1234 or the Mill Rats office 214-4454. For more team information, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
To purchase Official Mill Rats Photos, please visit www.millratsphotos.ca, courtesy of The Wright Agency: the official advertising agency of the Saint John Mill Rats.
For more information, visit www.millratsbasketball.ca
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National Basketball League of Canada Stories from February 23, 2012
- Burks Hot Streak Powers Mill Rats to Brink of Playoffs - Saint John Riptide
- Rainmen Defeat Kebs - Halifax Rainmen
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