Manchester Moves to 3-0 Against Frost Heaves
February 15, 2009 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(February 15, 2009 Manchester, NH): The Manchester Millrats moved to 3-0 this season against the Vermont Frost Heaves, defeating them soundly 102-89 in front of a home crowd of 1,052.
Manchester rode the hot hand of former Portland Trailblazer (NBA) Desmond Ferguson, who torched Vermont for fifteen first quarter points. Frost Heaves Head Coach Will Voigt was handed his second technical of the game and subsquently ejected. Manchester led 24-16 after the first quarter.
The Millrats broke the game open in the second quarter, leading by as much as fifteen points. The halftime score was 46-35 Manchester.
In the second half Manchester kept up the pressure, building an 80-60 lead early in fourth quarter. Vermont rallied behind Benson Callier, whose twelve fourth quarter points ignited a 21-5 run, to cut the Manchester lead to 86-81.
The Millrats' Al Stewart breakaway layup was followed by a deep Ferguson three pointer that barely beat the shot clock, and suddenly Manchester regained control of the game with a 94-84 lead with 1:17 remaining. Al Stewart knocked down eight straight foul shots to ice the game.
"Any time you beat a team as great as Vermont three times in a season, its confirms that are team is on the right track," explained Millrats Head Coach Rob Spon. "They had a tough break having to play Rochester yesterday and then hit the road down here today, but our guys were fired up and it showed."
Manchester was led in scoring by Desmond Ferguson with 24 points, Al Stewart scored 19 (10-10 from the foul line), Lincoln Glass 14 (6-6 from the foul line), and Tommy Mitchell with 10. Kenyon Gamble grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked 4 shots on the interior, while newcomer Aaron Spears had 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block in his debut.
Vermont was led by Greg Plummer's 21 points.
The Premier Basketball League's top defense held Vermont to just 39% shooting for the game, and forced 26 turnovers.
Manchester improves to 10-3 on the season, and has won 10 of its last 11 games. Vermont falls to 7-6.
Manchester is 9-2 in it's franchise history against the Frost Heaves, counting two preseason games.
Manchester's next game is Friday night at 7:30pm versus the Montreal Sasquatch. On Saturday they will be in Buffalo to face the Stampede.
For more information please contact Millrats GM Ian McCarthy at millrats@gmail.com or visit www.manchestermillrats.com or www.pblproball.com.
Premier Basketball League Stories from February 15, 2009
- Sea Dawgs take a bite out of Detroit - Wilmington Sea Dawgs
- Vermont falls to Manchester - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Manchester Moves to 3-0 Against Frost Heaves - Saint John Riptide
- Kebs upset Rainmen and Ruin Millien's debut - Kebs de Laval
- Throwbacks Coach Donnie Boyce accepts Coaching Position in D-League - Chicago Throwbacks
- Manchester Hosts Vermont Sunday in Heated Division Rivalry - Saint John Riptide
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