Mill Rats Fall Short in Halifax 101-98
Published on February 24, 2012 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Halifax, NS): The Saint John Mill Rats fell short of claiming a win in Halifax on Friday night at the Metro Centre with a final score of 101-98.
The Mill Rats were neck in neck with the Halifax Rainmen as both teams kept a close game throughout the first quarter. Half way through the first, Halifax jumped ahead leading 15-8. With just over 3 minutes remaining, Anthony Anderson hit a three putting us back on the clock 15-11. Courtland Bluford and Kevin Francis both locked down an and 1 play in the first quarter, Bluford's ended the quarter putting the Mill Rats ahead of the Rainmen 22-26.
The Rainmen opened up the second quarter but Saint John was able to pull ahead with just under 7 minutes left. With 2:38 on the clock, Darren Duncan passed to Jermaine Blackburn for a basket. Duncan followed up by playing tough defence, resulting in a jump ball. The Mill Rats regained possession. Blackburn drew the foul and made 2 for 2 on the line, putting the Mill Rats ahead by 11 points, 40-51. The Mill Rats closed the half leading 44-57.
With just over 4 minutes in the third, Halifax started to tighten the gap, 65-69, but the Mill Rats were still able to hold their lead. They closed the third leading 70-79, but the Rainmen still outscored the Mill Rats 26-22.
The Mill Rats entered the fourth already having 4 fouls on Darren Duncan and Kevin Francis, who had already contributed 14 and 12 points respectively. With just over 7 minutes on the clock, the Rainmen were able to pull ahead, 83-86. With 2:59 on the clock, Burks hit a three holding the Rainmen off 89-93.
With just over 2 minutes left, the Rainmen were able to tie the game and with just under a minute left, they pulled ahead of the Mill Rats and took the lead back for the first time since the first quarter.
With 27 seconds on the clock, the Rainmen led 99-95. Blackburn went up for a three and drew the foul, making all three of his foul shots. Anthony Anderson's missed three could not put the Mill Rats back on the scoreboard as they had hoped. Halifax regained possession and drew the foul making 1 for 2. In an attempt to get the ball back, Anderson fouled Hagan which resulted in the final point for the Rainmen, winning the game 101-98.
Leading scorers for the Mill Rats were Jermaine Blackburn with 22 points, Darren Duncan with 16 points and 7 assists, while Kevin Francis and PJ Young each added 12 points. Halifax's leading scorer was Chris Hagen with the game high 23 points and 5 assists while Darnell Hugee added 14 points.
The Mill Rats fall 16-18 while the Halifax Rainmen rise to 20-12.
Catch the Mill Rats in action as they host the Oshawa Power on Thursday night at 7pm to fight for their playoff spot. Game theme is set to "Sham Rock the House" so rock your green!
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from February 24, 2012
- Mill Rats Fall Short in Halifax 101-98 - Saint John Riptide
- Rainmen Gain Revenge on Mill Rats - Halifax Rainmen
- Mill Rats Host March Break Camp - Saint John Riptide
- Oshawa Power Lose a Tough One 127-115 to the Saint John Mill Rats - Mississauga Power
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