Mill Rats Inaugural Season Comes to End
Published on April 1, 2011 under Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Saint John Riptide News Release
The Saint John Mill Rats inaugural season in Saint John came to an end Thursday night at the hands of their arch rivals, the Halifax Rainmen, 85-79 in overtime. But they did not go down without a fight!
The Mill Rats suffered a severe blow when their leading scorer, Anthony Anderson, went down with a torn achilles tendon after the first quarter.
Saint John was able to rally from 7 points down to grab a 39-33 halftime lead.
"The guys fought and clawed and scrapped their way the whole game," stated Mill Rats General Manager Ian McCarthy. "The effort was outstanding."
Saint John held a tenuous 65-60 lead late in the fourth before the Rainmen rallied to take a 71-69 lead with 16 seconds remaining. Dwuan Rice drew a foul and calmly sank both free throws to force overtime. However in the overtime period, Halifax big man Deandre Thomas scored 7 points and former Mill Rat Desmond Ferguson hit a critical three pointer down the stretch to seal it for the Rainmen.
Saint John was led by Marc Egerson with 26 points and Steve Deluca 15. Halifax got 20 from Thomas and 14 from Ferguson.
The Rainmen will now prepare for a playoff matchup with #1 ranked Lawton-Fort Sill on Saturday. The Mill Rats will now focus on the off season and preparing for season number two.
"We want to thank our tremendous fans and sponsors and the City of Saint John for the incredible first season here and all of the great support," stated Mill Rats Vice President of Marketing David Cooper.
Fan Farewell Gathering
The Mill Rats will be at Jakes Sports Bra at 6pm on Friday (today) for fans who would like to come out and say there goodbyes for the season.
Premier Basketball League Stories from April 1, 2011
- PBL Semifinal Playoff Preview - Rochester RazorSharks
- Twisted Ankle Lands Dollard Back in Rainmen Lineup - Halifax Rainmen
- Mill Rats Inaugural Season Comes to End - Saint John Riptide
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