Mill Rats Finish Road Trip with 3-1 Record
March 20, 2016 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Windsor, ON): The Saint John Mill Rats wrapped up a four game road trip with a 3-1 record after dropping the final game in Windsor to the defending champion Windsor Express, 116-104 in overtime.
The Mill Rats led 49-39 at halftime and actually built a 22-point lead midway through the third period. They led 84-69 heading into the fourth quarter, but road fatigue and late game execution cost them the game.
"We knew we had a tough road trip, playing 4 road games in 5 nights including a brutal travel schedule, but no excuses every team in the league has these stretches," explained Mill Rats Head Coach Rob Spon. "We finished 3-1 and had a great chance to win all four today, but give the Express credit they never quit and they fought back all game."
The Mill Rats were also missing the services of the league's top shot blocker, Anthony Stover, who suffered a concussion last week against PEI. Olu Famutimi joined the team in Orangeville, but has yet to have a practice. And Keith Gayden is just getting acclimated.
The Mill Rats lead was erased in the fourth quarter as the Express implemented a full court press that forced multiple turnovers. Add to the fact that Gabe Freeman was hampered by foul trouble and fouled out seconds after re-entering the game with 4 minutes left. Tony Bennett's driving layup gave Windsor a 2 point lead with 8 seconds left, but a full court pass to Ricky Volcy, who was fouled under the basket, gave Saint John a chance to tie. Volcy hit both free throws with 4 seconds to force overtime.
In the overtime it was all Windsor as they won going away 116-104.
Doug Herring Jr led the Mill Rats with 19 points, Ricky Volcy 18, Gabe Freeman 14, Johnny Mayhane 13, and Anthony Anderson 11. Brandon Robinson led the Express with 25.
The Mill Rats drop to 17-11 on the season while the Express improves to 16-13.
The Mill Rats are back in action at Harbour Station on Wednesday March 23rd to face the Moncton Miracles at 7pm.
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.
• Discuss this story on the National Basketball League of Canada message board...
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from March 20, 2016
- Mill Rats Finish Road Trip with 3-1 Record - Saint John Riptide
- Express Win in OT against Mill Rats, 116-104 - Windsor Express
- A's Drop Heartbreaker against Niagara, Lose 121-120 - Orangeville A's
- Lightning Defeat Hurricanes - Halifax Hurricanes
- Mill Rats Huge 3rd Quarter Spurs Road Win - Saint John Riptide
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
