NBL Canada St. John's Edge

Edge Fall to Riptide in St. Patrick's Day Matinee

Published on March 17, 2019 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
St. John's Edge News Release


St. John's, NL - The St. John's Edge fell for a second straight game to the Riptide by a score of 96-89.

It was another low scoring affair at Mile One Centre on Sunday afternoon. With over 4,000 fans packed into Mile One Centre on St. Patrick's Day the Edge were looking to take care of business and clinch their playoff spot on their second attempt.

In the early going the Edge were locked in, scoring from the outside and creating their space in the post to open their lead to over 6 in the first few minutes. The run to open the game was capped off by Murphy Burnatowski when he drilled a corner three after Junior Cadougan kicked the ball out from the baseline.

Following the run, the Riptide tightened up their defensive holding the Edge down while they tied the game up at around the 5:45 mark of the first quarter. A Bryce Washington jumper would give the Riptide their first lead of the game, then both teams would struggle as no team would score for the next full 2 minutes of the quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Riptide would be in front 22-21.

Into the second, the game would go back and forth early on. With the Edge still trailing, Jon Harris would foul Jared Nickens and send him to the line to shoot 3 free throws, tying the game at 24-24. Just as the Edge got back into this one, the Riptide had an answer, with Frank Bartley dropping a three in transition to push the Riptide lead. Then Jon Harris would do some damage of his own, dropping a three to extend the lead to 10 points. After two full quarters of play, the Riptide would hold onto a 51-38 lead.

Coming out of the half, the Edge would be looking for something to click to get the offence back in a rhythm. A very hot start to the third quarter would get the Edge to within just a single possession. Overall it would be a 12-4 run that included a Murphy Burnatowski dunk, a Jared Nickens triple, and a Junior Cadougan slash through the lane for a layup.

Just as they had done in the first half, the Riptide would begin to answer every conversion the Edge had. Down low the offence stayed consistent, but the Edge would go ice cold from beyond the arc and see the Riptide hit 4 of 8 from three to stay in front by a score of 75-65 going into the final quarter of play.

The fourth quarter would begin with Glen Davis getting a non-call on a fast break which would result in two technical and an ejection for the Edge big man. This would mean that Olu Ashaolu and Murphy Burnatowski would have to carry the load in the post for the remainder of the game.

St. John's would fight to get back into this one, playing some solid defence early on and converting on a couple of their open looks. Specifically, Dez Lee would drop 13 in the quarter. In the last few minutes, a Dez Lee triple would get the Edge within 4 points, but that is as close as they would get as the Riptide would go on to the 96-89 win.

For the Edge on the afternoon, Dez Lee led the way with 24 points, 13 of which came in the fourth quarter alone. The Edge had 5 players in double digits, with Glen Davis and Olu Ashaolu finishing with double-doubles.

The Riptide were once again led by Frank Bartley who dropped 29 points in the victory.

The Edge are back in action for Fan Appreciation weekend on March 23rd and 24th as the Island Storm come to town. Tickets are still available by visiting the box office, calling 576-7657, or online at mileonecentre.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Basketball League of Canada Stories from March 17, 2019


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central