Fourth Quarter Propels Oshawa 123-117
January 18, 2013 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats presented by Rogers, lost a close game to the visiting Oshawa Power on Friday night at Harbour Station in front of 2,169 fans with a final score of 117-123.
The house was packed with rowdy school spirit fans for the Rogers game tonight as the Power played hard out of the gate and gained an early lead until halfway through the first.
After a basket from Kevin Francis and 2 points from Jerice Crouch off the steal and drive, the Mill Rats were able to gain a lead with 5:17 on the clock, 17-16. The Power fought back with the help of William "Bo" Harris dropping 14 points alone, but the Mill Rats kept their edge, closing the first, 31-28, after a dunk from Sheray Thomas.
The second quarter, the Mill Rats hit the boards offensively and with 6:10 on the clock, a put back from Taneiko Robinson gave them a one point lead. Kevin Francis dropped 2 which was quickly answered by Power's Okorie giving the Power the lead again.
The Mill Rats gained momentum and pulled ahead with 4:25 left on the clock before half after 2 baskets from Francis and Robinson and a three pointer from Jerice Crouch, 49-47. The Mill Rats closed the half leading 63-57.
Two minutes into the third, the Mill Rats had as much as an 11 point lead over the Power but the Power did not give up. Four points from the line for Gomillia, and 2 dunks from Bo Harris propelled the Power forward. Saint John still closed the third ahead of Oshawa, 90-88.
The fourth quarter, both teams battled it out until just under 5 minutes left, when the Power gained an edge on the Mill Rats, going on a 7 point run, gaining the lead 101-110.
The Power held the Mill Rats within 9 points until 36 seconds remained on the clock after a basket from Kevin Francis and a three off the fake from Taneiko Robinson, closing the gap 111-116.
The stadium went wild as Jerice Crouch dropped a three with 12.6 seconds left in the game with the Power only leading by 2, 117-119. The Mill Rats attempted to regain possession but were forced to foul, giving the Power the game, 117-123.
Leading scorers for the Mill Rats were Jerice Crouch with 27, Taneiko Robinson with 15 and 9 boards and "Fear the Beard" Kevin Francis with 13.
Leading the Power were Bo Harris with 30 points, Nick Okorie with 27 and Papa Oppong with 20.
The Mill Rats drop to 11-15 while the Power rise to 14-10.
Catch the Mill Rats back in action next week for more double header action against the Moncton Miracles on Thursday, Jan. 24th and the Windsor Express on Friday, Jan. 25th. Both games are at 7pm.
Friday is Fan Appreciation night and also, the Mill Rats season ticket holder & sponsors VIP event so be sure to check it out on the website and register!
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from January 18, 2013
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- Fourth Quarter Propels Oshawa 123-117 - Saint John Riptide
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