Highlanders Win Exciting Game in Final Moments against the Storm
January 6, 2019 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Cape Breton Highlanders News Release
Cape Breton Highlanders forward George Williams eyes the basket against the Island Storm
(Cape Breton Highlanders)
Game Recap: Highlanders 101 vs Island Storm 100
Game Date: Sunday, January 6th, 2019
Game Number: 17 of 40 of Season 3
Location: Centre 200, Sydney
Team Records: Cape Breton 11 wins, 6 losses
PEI 2 wins, 11 losses
Game Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?vDyYIB
Game Highlights
The Highlanders were without Kenny Jones, who had recently left the team for a playing opportunity in Argentina. Cape Breton thought that captain Bruce Massey had played his last game as a member of the Highlanders after a stunning announcement at the conclusion of the last game. However, Massey decided to stay with the Highlanders and was in the starting lineup.
Quarter 1: Highlanders 32, Storm 35
The Highlanders jumped out to an early lead against a struggling Island Storm team, with George Williams grabbing 7 of the first 9 Highlanders points. The Storm then closed the gap and took the lead, as they were looking for their first win against the Highlanders this season. Both teams were shooting well to find points, as neither club allowed much room on the defensive side of the court. The Highlanders adjusted their game to get behind the Storm defense, but the Storm's shooting stayed consistent to give them a three point lead at the end of the 1st quarter.
Quarter 2: Highlanders 56, Storm 57
The Highlanders played well as a team to find rebounds and complete passes to retake the lead. The Storm were able to grab it back but were unable to widen the gap before the Highlanders tied the game again. It remained a close game throughout the quarter, with beautiful shots and sloppy plays resulting in turnovers from both teams. It was a one-point game at the buzzer in favour of the Storm.
Quarter 3: Highlanders 80, Storm 77
The Storm extended their lead to start the 3rd quarter and played strong defence to prevent the Highlanders from getting on the board in the first three minutes of the second half. The Highlanders had to dig deep to draw fouls and earn points from the free-throw line as the Highlanders were driving to the basket and found themselves crashing to the floor several times throughout the game. The Highlanders continued to struggle shooting from the field but made timely baskets to tie the game with two minutes left in the quarter and were able to take their own three point lead at the buzzer.
Quarter 4: Highlanders 101, Storm 100
The Storm opened the final frame by tieing the score again, before it turned into a back-and-forth game with stops coming on both sides of the court. The Storm found their shooting to take the lead again, and the Highlanders continued to have to fight for every point. The Highlanders did just that at, and managed to tie the game again in the final two minutes. It was an exciting finish as the Highlanders won their second in a row and remained undefeated against the Island Storm this season.
Stat Leaders
View detailed box score
Cape Breton Highlanders 101
PLAYER PTS RBD AST STL HIGHLIGHTS
Bruce Massey 34 11 4 5 Double-double, 8-9 free throws
Jamal Reynolds 26 9 0 0
George Williams 19 4 4 2
Tanner Giddings 7 5 1 0
Aaron Redpath 6 7 5 1
Island Storm 100
PLAYER PTS RBD AST STL HIGHLIGHTS
Russell Byrd 19 10 5 0 double-double
Sampson Carter 18 9 2 1
Tirrell Baines 17 3 0 0
Kareem Canty 13 4 10 2 double-double
Next Game: Wednesday, January 9th vs Express at 8PM Atlantic Time in Windsor.
Next Home Game: Sunday, January 20th vs Saint John Riptide at 2PM in Sydney.
Images from this story
 Cape Breton Highlanders forward George Williams eyes the basket against the Island Storm |
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from January 6, 2019
- NBL Canada Weekly Report - NBL Canada
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- Highlanders Win Exciting Game in Final Moments against the Storm - Cape Breton Highlanders
- Lightning Overcome Five in Win - London Lightning
- Edge Prevail in Double Overtime, Finish Road Trip 5-1 - St. John's Edge
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