Coats' Comeback Sinks Squadron, 132-126
March 15, 2024 - NBA G League (G League)
Delaware Blue Coats News Release
WILMINGTON - The Delaware Blue Coats (18-10) defeated the Birmingham Squadron (13-16) 132-126 on Friday night at Chase Fieldhouse. The team celebrated Marvel's Captain America Night presented by AmeriHealth Caritas to benefit YMCA of Delaware.
The game was a back-and-forth affair in the first quarter, but Birmingham outscored Delaware 40-26 in the second and entered halftime up by 18, and led by as many as 20. It was all Coats from that point forward, as they edged the Squadron by 18 in the fourth quarter and 24 in the second half overall en route to the victory.
Terquavion Smith led the Coats off the bench with 26 points and five three-pointers. The rookie also chipped in defensively with three steals. Ricky Council IV led all Delaware starters with 23 points with four three-pointers, followed by Jeff Dowtin Jr. who contributed 21 points on 7-11 shooting and seven assists. In his first game with the Blue Coats, Kai Jones scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and added five steals.
"We've got to come out ready to play," head coach Mike Longabardi said. "That team has a lot of firepower, they're No. 1 in the league in offense, and you can tell why. We made a lot of mistakes, but I thought they played very well. We've got to come ready to play tomorrow, for sure."
Birmingham featured a balanced offensive attack, with every starter scoring at least 15 points, led by Malcolm Hill and Izaiah Brockington with 22 points each. Hill added eight assists and four steals, while Brockington grabbed nine rebounds.
Up next for the Blue Coats is a rematch with the Squadron on Saturday, March 16 at Chase Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
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