Mill Rats Clinch Playoff Berth
March 1, 2012 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats clinched their playoff berth on Thursday evening against the Oshawa Power with a final score off 113-99 in front of 2,134 fans.
The Saint John Mill Rats were on fire from the start of the game, taking the lead early and maintaining it the whole way through. With 8:49 on the clock, the Mill Rats held an 11-3 lead. The Power narrowed the gap with just under 3 minutes left in the first but the Mill Rats were able to maintain their lead and close the first quarter, 34-24.
The Mill Rats scored 34 points in both quarters of the first half. Stanley Ocitti and Darren Duncan played well in the 2nd quarter, netting 7 points each. With 5:35 on the clock before half, Mill Rats guard Anthony Anderson hit a 3 pointer, giving the Mill Rats an 18 point lead, 53-35 over the Power. The Mill Rats closed the half ahead 68-43.
During third quarter, the Power fought back scoring 26 points to the Mill Rats 28, but it wasn't enough to kill the double digit spread. The Mill Rats closed the third, 96-69.
The last quarter was the only quarter the Power were able to hit more baskets than the Mill Rats but Saint John kept their lead playing an entertaining game full of dunks, jams and alley oops.
Head Coach of the Mill Rats and former Antonio Spurs NBA Champion, Jaren Jackson had one thing to say, "Playoffs baby, playoffs!
This marks the first time the Saint John Mill Rats have made playoffs in their franchise history. For the players that were with the team last year, it is a refreshing way to conclude the inaugural season of the National Basketball League of Canada.
Anthony Anderson, who has been a key player for the team since last season stated, "This is big for all of us - the franchise, Ian, Coop, Coach, but more importantly the guys that were here last year. Steve, Stan, PJ, Modibo - we missed playoffs by one game last year. To get it this time...it's big for us."
The Mill Rats were led by Jermaine Blackburn who scored 22 points. Stanley Ocitti played a huge game with a double double, getting 10 boards, 20 points and 5 assists. Anthony Anderson contributed 20 points and 10 assists.
Overall, the Mill Rats played a strong defensive game and out rebounded the Power 59-47.
Leading scorers for the Power were game high Brandon Robinson with 24, Rick Bodiford with 19 and Omari Johnson with 16.
The Mill Rats rise 17-18 while the Oshawa Power fall 14-21.
The Mill Rats play their last home game on Sunday afternoon at 2pm against the Halifax Rainmen. Game theme is set to "That 70's Game".
Playoff tickets are now on sale! First game will be on March. 6th at 7pm - all bowl tickets are $10. Help your team take on the #1 ranked London Lightning in a fight for finals!
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from March 1, 2012
- Oshawa Power Playoff Dreams End Losing 113-99 Against the Saint John Mill Rats - Mississauga Power
- London Rattles the Kebs - London Lightning
- Mill Rats Clinch Playoff Berth - Saint John Riptide
- Rainmen Clinch Second Place After Defeating Miracles - Halifax Rainmen
- Mill Rats Playoff Tickets Now on Sale - Saint John Riptide
- All-Star Captains Choose Teams in Fantasy Draft - NBL Canada
- Miracles Lathan and Wonge Named to 2012 All Star Roster - Moncton Miracles
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