Halifax wins a close one in Montreal
January 3, 2009 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Montreal Sasquatch News Release
Montreal, Qc - The Sasquat'ch gave all they have, but in the end, it's the Rainmen who came out on top.
Halifax won a hard fought battle 127-125 in overtime, Saturday night at the Pierre-Charbonneau Center in Montreal. In the dying seconds of the game, Montreal's Randy «White Chocolate» Gill missed a potential game-winning three pointer as time expired to allow Halifax to leave with the victory.
Montreal didn't make it easy for the Raimen. Holding an 11 points lead with 3:30 left to play, it looked like Halifax was gonna cruise to the victory. That's when Gill came alive. «White Chocolate» scored 16 of his 38 points in the last 8 minutes of regulation to lead Montreal's comeback.
Gill was nothing short of phenomenal in that game, hitting tough jumpers with defenders on him and making it look easy. Again, him and LP Levros carried the crowd in the game as the Sasquat'ch closed the gap and eventually tied it to send everybody in overtime.
Gill even scored the first two points in OT giving Montreal the lead. Unfortunately, it would be the Sasquat'ch only lead in the extra period as the Rainmen controled the pace and hit key free throw to secure the victory. Randy «White Chocolate» Gill almost won it for the Sasquat'ch but his three pointer came up short as time expired.
Aside from Gill, Jamaal Wise once again had a monster night for Montreal with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Daryl Ruffus chipped in 25 points while LP Levros had another strong night with 15 points and 6 rebounds.
Even after the stellar night he enjoyed (38 points, 5 rebounds), Randy «White Chocolate» Gill could hardly smile.
«I neede to score 41... but it didn't happened, said a disapointed Gill after the game. My teammates gave it all, the crowd was carrying us, but we couldn't close it. We'll need to learn how to finish opponents when the opportunity presents itself. It's a learning progress, we'll get another shot at it. I'm very proud of the way the guys handled themselves tonight.»
For the Rainmen, an ex-player from past Montreal teams came back to haunt his former city. Cordell Jeanty led his team with 29 points and 10 rebounds to deprive Montreal from the win. Others notable efforts for the Rainmen include Glen Dandridge with 21 points, Jimmy Twyman with 20 and SirValiant Brown with 19.
After the win, Jeanty had some good words for the Montreal fans.
«The Sasquat'ch are a first class organization, that's what the people of Montreal deserve, explained the sympatic athlete. They got a great team and I know every game will be a fist fight against them. It's good to see that things improved in Montreal. The fans are in for a treat this year.»
After beginning the season at home, the Sasquat'ch will hit the road next weekend has the face Vermont and Halifax on a much anticipated rematch. The team will be back in Montreal for games against Manchester and Vermont, both at 19:30 at the Pierre-Charbonneau Center. For more information visit the www.montrealsasquatch.com.
Premier Basketball League Stories from January 3, 2009
- Halifax wins a close one in Montreal - Montreal Sasquatch
- Defending champs lose 2009 opener - Rochester RazorSharks
- Quebec City Kebs lose opening match - Kebs de Laval
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