Free Throws Prove Costly in Mill Rats Loss to Miracles
March 4, 2016 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats shot a dismal 50% from the foul line (14-28) and lost a close home game to the Moncton Miracles 107-102.
"We had stretches where we played great defense and the results showed, but other moments where we lost focus," said Mill Rats Head Coach Rob Spon. "But bottom line is we have to make our free throws."
The first quarter the Miracles bolted out of the gate over a sputtering Mill Rats offense 20-19 and led at the end of the quarter 26-16.
In the second quarter, Saint John's bench helped claw back into the game cutting the deficit to 48-47, before Moncton scored the final two baskets to lead 52-47 at the half.
Ricky Volcy's three pointer put the Mill Rats ahead 80-76 with 10:55 remaining in the fourth. But Moncton reeled off the next 7 points to lead 83-80. Gabe Freeman's layup cut the score to 92-90 with 3 min left. After two missed free throws by Doug Herring, the Miracles appeared to foul Chris Smith on a rebound, but no foul was called, and Brandan Kearney drained a three point to put the Moncton lead to 95-90.
Once again a Freeman score brought Saint John within two at 98-96 with 1:30 left. But again Kearney drained a three to push the lead back to five. After a Mill Rats miss, Saint John was forced to foul to stop the clock. Tom Granado hit two free throws to build the lead to 103-96 with 19 seconds left.
Herring's three pointer and Volcy's three pointer sandwich a James Justice free throw, and suddenly the score was just 104-102 Moncton. Justice again hit 1-2 but Herring missed a three attempt that would have tied the game. Kearney tacked on two free throws for the final margin.
Gabe Freeman led the Mill Rats with 19 points, Doug Herring 18, Garrius Holloman and Johnny Mayhane 12 each, and Chris Smith and Ricky Volcy 11 each. Brandan Kearney led Moncton with 23.
The Mill Rats remain tied with Halifax Hurricanes with 14-7 records. The Miracles improve to 10-13.
Saint John travels to Moncton tomorrow night for a rematch with the Miracles at 7PM.
Single game, flex, and prorated season tickets are on sale at the Harbour Station Box Office or by calling 506-657-1234 or by visiting www.harbourstation.ca.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from March 4, 2016
- Free Throws Prove Costly in Mill Rats Loss to Miracles - Saint John Riptide
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