Mill Rats Edged in Shootout with Hurricanes in OT
January 3, 2016 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
Saint John Mill Rats Defend against the Halifax Hurricanes
(Saint John Riptide)
(Halifax, NB): Less than 10 hours after incurring their first loss of the season to the Island Storm, the Saint John Mill Rats were on the road to face the Halifax Hurricanes at the Scotiabank Center. The Mill Rats were missing veteran point guard Al Stewart, who was given a leave of absence to return home for a week, and Marlin Mason who is recovering from an elbow injury. The road weary, depleted squad almost pulled over a gritty road win, but ultimately succumbed to the high power Hurricanes, 125-121 in overtime.
"We knew this was going to be a tough one given the turnaround and early travel, but we still had our chances to get a win," said Mill Rats Head Coach Rob Spon. "Halifax made some incredibly clutch shots, but so did we and it was one of those games that was going to come down to who had the last shot."
Unlike the night before, the Mill Rats got off to a quick start and led 32-23 after one. In the second quarter they built a 52-35 lead before a 10-2 Halifax run restored the 9-point margin, at 54-45 at the half.
In the fourth quarter the Mill Rats led 79-71 with 8 minutes remaining on Darren Moore's two free throws. The Hurricanes turned up the pressure and took a 97-92 lead with 2 minutes left. But Doug Herring Jr scored a tough drive and made the ensuing free through, and then knocked down a step back jumper to give the lead back to Saint John, 97-97 with 1:21 left. Anthony Anderson seemingly sealed the deal with a deep three and a 100-97 lead with 25 seconds left.
After a Halifax score and two free throws by Ricky Volcy with 4 seconds left, Halifax called timeout. Shane Gibson caught a cross court corner pass and calmy drained a three pointer at the buzzer to force overtim
Anthony Anderson led Saint John with 23 points, Doug Herring Jr 22, Gabe Freeman 21, and Corey Allmond 18. Malcolm Grant led the Storm with 24 points.
Saint John falls to 3-1 and the Storm improves to 2-2.
The Mill Rats head to Halifax tomorrow morning for a 2PM game at the Scotiabank Centre against the Halifax Hurricanes. They host the Island Storm next Saturday January 9th at 7PM at Harbour Station in a rematch.
Single game, flex, and prorated season tickets are on sale at the Harbour Station Box Office or by calling 506-657-1234 or by visiting www.harbourstation.ca.
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 Saint John Mill Rats Defend against the Halifax Hurricanes |
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