Manchester Takes Down #1 Vermont Again
February 3, 2008 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Saint John Riptide News Release
Manchester, New Hampshire: The Manchester Millrats took down the #1 ranked Vermont Frost Heaves again, this time 98-95, in front of their largest home crowd since opening night.
The crowd of nearly 1,000 came out to see the Millrats take on the reigning ABA Champs equipped with Manchester's answer to the Frost Heaves' cowbells: the "Millrattles".
The millrattles were shaking loudly during the pregame festivities and light show, drowing out the clanging of the cowbells by the small contingent of Vermont faithful. A tinge of excitement permeated the air as the two teams took the court, facing each other up close for the first time since the altercations.
Vermont won the tap, and on the opening possession Erik Nelson grabbed the offensive rebound and scored a put back to give the Frost Heaves a 2-0 lead. It was the last lead of the game that Vermont would enjoy.
The Millrats then took control of the game. Former SNHU standout PJ Young hit back to back three pointers to cap a 20-7 Manchester run. The Millrats led after the first quarter by a score of 25-13. Vermont closed to within 44-40 with 1:32 to go in the second quarter, before Chris Burns (Merrimack HS) and Charles Mason hit threes for Manchester to boost the halftime lead to 50-41.
By midway through the third quarter, the game was nip and tuck. Every time Vermont threatened, cutting the Manchester lead to one on several occasions, the Millrats would find an answer. Issa Konare's two free throws brought the Frost Heaves to within 72-71 at the end of the third.
Vermont managed to tie the score at 79-79 on Issa Konare's three pointer at the 9:15 mark of the fourth quarter. Later Anthony Anderson nailed a key three pointer with 6 minutes remaining to give the Millrats a six point lead, at 88-82. Over the next five minutes, Vermont went cold - managing just two points. Manchester capitalized and extended to a 94-84 lead with a mere 1:06 remaining on the clock.
Given the history between these two teams, no one was heading for the aisles just yet. Vermont scored thirteen points in the next 1:03 to close within 98-95 with 3 seconds left. A furious Frost Heaves rally ended as Terrence Green's running 30 footer clanged off the front of the rim as the buzzer sounded.
Manchester is 3-0 at home against the defending ABA Champions, and won the season series 4 games to 2.
The victory extends the Millrats winning streak to five games, and improves their record to 18-9 on the season. The Frost Heaves nine game win streak comes to an end, and Vermont's record drops to 22-4. The Millrats are the lone team in the ABA to defeat the Frost Heaves this season.
The Millrats were led by Anthony Anderson with 24 points, PJ Young added 20, and newcomer Ronald Wright chipped in 16 off the bench. Issa Konare scored 24 for the Heaves. Manchester held Vermont to just 38% shooting from the field, and outrebounded them 53 to 48.
"This was a great win for our organization, to do something for a fourth time that no other team this season has even done once, and to bounce back after the loss in Burlington," stated Millrats Head Coach Larry Lessett, "that says alot about our team's character and the desire this group has to win."
The Millrats are back next weekend for a doubleheader as the #3 ranked Texas Tycoons arrive in town for a 7:05 pm tip off on Saturday, and the Montreal Royal come to Southern New Hampshire on Sunday at 4:35 pm.
The Millrats would like to invite all fans of sport and entertainment to attend a game or two next weekend. Tickets are just $9.75 for adults and $6.75 for kids 17 and under. All SNHU students and faculty get in FREE with a valid school ID. Groups of 20 or more may book in advance and pay just $5.50 per person. Tickets are available at the door, online at www.manchestermillrats.com, or by calling 1-866-9-GET-TIX. Doors open one hour prior to tip off.
All Millrats games are events! Each game features fast paced, exciting basketball in addition to quality entertainment such as the Pink Sapphire Dancers, Milly the Millrat, live singers, and a halftime performance.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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American Basketball Association Stories from February 3, 2008
- Sahlen and "Do Your Best, Never Quit" making an impact - Buffalo Silverbacks
- Tycoon Tidbits - Texas Tycoons
- Vermont's Gallant Effort Falls Just Short - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Gladiators Sweep Two of the Top ABA Teams on Successive Nights - Orange County Gladiators
- Manchester Takes Down #1 Vermont Again - Saint John Riptide
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