Mill Rats Victorious at Home
January 3, 2013 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats presented by Rogers, ended their 2 game losing streak at home on Thursday night at Harbour Station in front of 1,919 fans with a final score of 105-93 against the Moncton Miracles.
The Miracles caught an early lead in the first but after 2 back to back three pointers from Anthony Anderson with just under 2 minutes to go, they were able to pull ahead, closing the first, 30-20.
Another set of back to back threes from Antonio Burks 8 minutes before half, helped the Mill Rats hold their momentum over the Miracles, 45-28. Saint John closed the half leading 61-45.
It was huge first half for Mill Rats leading scorer Anthony Anderson who contributed 14 points and 9 boards alone while Antonio Burks drained 4 threes before half .
The Miracles fought back hard in the third quarter making it a physical game. With 8 minutes left in the third, a huge dunk from Cavell Johnson was followed up by a great rebound from Anthony Anderson who seconds later, converted it into a three on the other end. The Mill Rats were able to hold their lead with the help of another dunk from Johnson. Anderson's 10 points this quarter kept the Mill Rats ahead 88-75.
With just over 4 minutes in the game, the Miracles were able to close the gap to within 9 points, 99-90. A double technical was called, allowing Jerice Crouch to net 4 for 4 from the free throw line, which was the game changer, 103-90.
Another 2 points from Crouch solidified the Mill Rats win as they ran the clock down for the remainder of the game, adding a win to their season, 105-93 over the Miracles.
Leading scorers for the Mill Rats were Anthony Anderson who scored a double double with 26 points and 12 boards. He was one assist short of a triple triple, having 9. Antonio Burks drained 15, while Steve DeLuca and PJ Young each contributed 13.
Leading the Miracles was Devin Sweetney with 29 points and Darrell Wonge with 19.
Saint John rises to 11-9 on the season while the Miracles fall to 10-12.
"We were strong on the execution of our offence tonight," says Head Coach David Cooper. "Tomorrow against Summerside, we need to defend. We need to get out on shooters, keep them off the offensive boards and hold them to one shot."
Cooper was also impressed with the leadership Anthony Anderson showed on the court tonight. "He's always been a good friend a great athlete. He has a few other great guys with him on the court this season - Jerice, Melvin and Cavell, who are all great leaders. This has helped to empower him to take his leadership role to another level."
The Mill Rats host the Summserside Storm tomorrow night at Harbour Station at 7pm. On Sunday, they host the #1 ranked defending champion London Lightning. Game time is at 4pm.
Tickets are available at the Harbour Station Box Office or at the Mill Rats Fan Zone located in Brunswick Square.
Pro-rated season ticket packages, BOGO's, flex packs and more are still available at the Mill Rats Fan Zone located in Brunswick Square on the second level, or at the Harbour Station Box Office.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from January 3, 2013
- Mill Rats Victorious at Home - Saint John Riptide
- Miracles Squandered by the Mill Rats - Moncton Miracles
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