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Brampton Honey Badgers

Honey Badgers Finish Strong, Win Fifth Straight in 81-74 Victory over Rattlers

July 12, 2022 - Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
Brampton Honey Badgers News Release


Hamilton Honey Badgers celebrating a victory
Hamilton Honey Badgers celebrating a victory
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In his second game with the Hamilton Honey Badgers, Isaiah Reese scored the game-winning basket for their 81-74 road victory over the Saskatchewan Rattlers.

Hamilton took the lead before Saskatchewan made a second half push to take it back. The visitors went on a run to end the game. The league-leading Honey Badgers (12-3) have won five games in a row. The Rattlers (7-8) have lost four games in a row.

Hamilton scored right off the opening tip as Caleb Agada found Michael Okafor for a dunk. Devonte Bandoo opened the scoring for the home team with a corner three.

The Honey Badgers came out with an aggressive defence as Okafor got a steal and he dunked it on the fast break. He also finished driving to the rim to give Hamilton a 12-6 lead.

The Rattlers also turned defence into offence as Scottie Lindsey hit a three after a Jordy Tshimanga block to retake the lead 13-12. The teams traded scores as Saskatchewan's three-point shooting got going. Hamilton led 23-19 after 10 minutes after Reese hit two free throws.

Saskatchewan tied the game at 23 early in the second quarter as Anthony Tsegakele attacked the rim. The Honey Badgers scored their depth with Agada on the bench as Reese and guard Koby McEwen took over the ball handling duties. They also scored from outside and found Okafor for multiple dunks after forcing more turnovers. Hamilton took a 40-35 lead into halftime.

Recent addition Joel James established a post presence and got to the foul line in the opening minute of the third quarter. The Honey Badgers kept their lead and got into the bonus midway through the third.

Tony Carr and Lindsey ran the Rattlers' offence as they cut into Hamilton's lead, trailing 56-49 heading into the fourth quarter. Their three-point shooting (41 per cent after three quarters) helped keep the score close. Carr nailed a triple to make the score to 61-55. Michael Nuga made an impact off the bench in his season debut, driving to the basket and hitting free throws.

The home team continued their run as Lindsey hit two free throws to retake the lead. Hamilton responded with five straight points, including a three by McEwen. He scored off a cut into the paint to give Hamilton a 71-69 edge heading into Elam time.

McEwen and Carr traded threes in a one-score game. The Honey Badgers then scored six straight points, including a fadeaway jumper from Reese for the game-winner.

It was another balanced game for Hamilton, with four players scoring in double figures while Djogo and Prince Oduro each had eight points. McEwen had a team-high 21 points while Okafor had 12 points, four rebounds and two steals. Reese added 11 points, three assists and three steals.

The Rattlers shot the ball well, shooting 46 per cent from the field and 46 per cent from three. They had more assists than Hamilton (16-11) but turned it over 15 times to the Honey Badgers' 10 times.

Reese said the team stuck together and found a way to win a tough game. "It just shows how resilient this team is," he said about the team's finish. "It's a long road trip so to come out there and in the Elam Ending, hit some big shots."

Reese - who played last season with the Guelph Nighthawks - said he loves being part of the Honey Badgers and pointed out how they've welcomed him and James.

Saskatchewan was led by Carr (26 points, seven assists, four-for-four from deep), Lindsey (16 points, four rebounds) and Benlevi (12 points, eight rebounds).

"It's a tough one," forward D'Andre Bernard noted. "I thought we did a good job going out there and playing hard for the most part but it's about sticking together through all 40 minutes."

Bernard said he felt the team did a good job filling in for guard Sebastian Åris' departure with players coming into the rotation. "They came in at a timely manner and provided some energy for us and did a good job of helping us get back into the game," he added.

The Rattlers look to get back to winning as they continue their three-game homestand with a game against the Ottawa BlackJacks on July 14. The Honey Badgers return home to host the Scarborough Shooting Stars on July 14 as well.

All games will be streamed live internationally on the CEBL's OTT platform, CEBL+ and on CEBL Mobile the official app of the CEBL for iOS and Android devices. Games are also available to stream live in Canada via cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices, and the free CBC Gem streaming service.

A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 71 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us (@cebleague) on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.




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Hamilton Honey Badgers celebrating a victory
Hamilton Honey Badgers celebrating a victory
   

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