Mill Rats Lose Tight Battle against Halifax Rainmen in Preseason
October 25, 2012 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats, presented by Rogers, fought hard but lost to the Halifax Rainmen, 95-89 in front of 3,284 fans at Harbour Station during their only home preseason game.
The first quarter, both teams fought hard, finishing 16-16. Brandon Robinson of the Halifax Rainmen scored 10 points, while the Mill Rats Anthony Anderson netted 8.
The Rainmen pulled ahead during the second quarter with huge plays from former London Lightning star Eddie Smith and Hillary Hailey. With 5:07 left on the clock, the Rainmen held a ten point lead. The Mill Rats were able to battle back with some key shots from Jerice Crouch and PJ Young to narrow the gap 39-37, Rainmen still leading before half.
The Mill Rats sprang to life in the third quarter clawing back and drawing fouls putting Anthony Anderson and Jerice Crouch on the line, both making 4-4 and 3-4, respectively. The Mill Rats closed the third leading 68-70.
The Rainmen pulled ahead in the fourth with help from 6'11 Centre Paul Nelson netting 6 baskets and making 4-4 from the line. With two minutes left, the Mill Rats narrowed the Rainmen's lead 90-87 after a 3 point 'And 1' play from PJ Young.
The Mill Rats battled to narrow the Rainmen's lead but couldn't close the 3 point gap. A huge turnover in the last 20 seconds gave the Rainmen the 5 point edge they needed to seal the win.
Leading scorers for the Mill Rats were team icons PJ Young and Anthony Anderson with an incredible 23 points each, while new to the training camp roster, Jerice Crouch, added 17.
The Halifax Rainmen leading scorer was Eddie Smith with 21, while Brandon Robinson netted 15 and Paul Nelson added 13.
Head Coach for the Saint John Mill Rats David Cooper was impressed by the hard work the Mill Rats put forth: "I believe we played hard. I feel pretty good about our team. There are a few things we need to clean up that will make a big difference in the overalll outcome of the game. I believe Halifax played well - they executed and they have great players that made great plays! They are well coached."
When asked about what he thinks the Mill Rats will bring to the court for their first home game, he stated, "I'm pumped about Nov. 3rd! I feel like we will have a little more time to bring our core guys together and build a strong foundation for the rest of the season. We had great fan support tonight as well! We hope to see everyone for our season opener!"
Catch the Mill Rats for the season opener on Saturday, Nov 3rd at Harbour Station against the Laval Kebs at 7pm! Tickets are still available!
The following season ticket packages are available:
Bowl Seats: $199
Floor 1st Row & Donald Sutherland (Premium Seats): $576
Floor 1st Row & Baseline: $432
Floor 2nd & 3rd Row: $360
Floor Courtside Table w 4 Chairs: $1,728
Real Mill Rats Bowl: $99
Why should you get a season ticket?
Access to the preseason game for free
OWN YOUR SEAT for all of 20 games
Receive 2 BOGO passes
10% Merchandise discount voucher
50% off a Mill Rats Clinic
A pass to our VIP Season Ticket Holder Event
For those with commitment issues, you can still take advantage of a great deal with their Flex Packs!
Flex & BOGO Packs:
Bogo Pack - $42.00 (3 Bowl tickets + 4 BOGOS + 10% discount voucher off merchandise)
9 Game Flex Pack - $120.00 (10 game tickets)
Family 4 Pack - $39.00 (2 Adult bowl seats, plus 2 Youth bowl seats, voucher for Kid's eating free at Jungle Jim's, 10% discount on merchandise, 25% discount on Mill Rats clinic)
Date Night Pack - $24.00 (2 Adult bowl seats, plus 50% off roses at Lancaster Florists, 10% off at one of Grannan's Hospitality Restaurants, + 10% discount off merchandise)
Jr Mill Rats Team Pack - $99.00 (12 Youth Tickets + 1 Coach ticket, BOGO for a large Domino's Pizza, 10% discount on merchandise, 25% discount on Mill Rats clinic)
The Mill Rats are also excited to offer courtside tables (with 4 chairs) season ticket packages this season for just $1728.
Current season ticket holders are reminded to renew their tickets as soon as possible so they do not lose their seats for the upcoming 2012-2013 NBL Canada season!
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National Basketball League of Canada Stories from October 25, 2012
- Lightning Steam Past Express - London Lightning
- Mill Rats Lose Tight Battle against Halifax Rainmen in Preseason - Saint John Riptide
- Rainmen Knock off Millrats in Pre Season - Halifax Rainmen
- Freeman Leaving Lightning - London Lightning
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