Mill Rats Weather the Storm to Tie Series 1-1
March 7, 2015 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats built a 17-point lead but had to weather an Island Storm rally to win 104-97, and tie the series 1-1. Game 3 is set for tomorrow in Charlottetown at 2:00pm in a quick turnaround.
"We came out with alot of energy tonight, and fought through adversity." said Mill Rats Head Coach Julian King. "Whether it was missed layups or mistakes, we never quit on the plays, and we were able to make up for them and get a much needed win."
The Mill Rats win guarantees another game at Harbour Station, which will be Tuesday night at 7pm (Game 4).
Coach King inserted Keith Cothran and Ricky Volcy into the starting lineup. Johnny Mayhane did not dress with swelling of his knee.
Saint John came out strong out of the gate and built a 21-12 lead at the 4:48 mark of the first quarter. But the Island Storm came back strong on a 15-6 run to tie the score 27-27 after one.
At the 4:07 point of the second quarter, Saint John had extended to a 16-point lead (56-40) on a free throw by Volcy. The lead was 59-46 at the half.
The lead was still 15 at the 4:11 mark of the third, but again the Storm kept the pressure on and got it down to just 83-77 at the end of the quarter on a flying dunk by Billy Rush.
In the fourth quarter, the Mill Rats were saddled with foul trouble to both Volcy (5 fouls) and Raheem Singleton (5 fouls). The Storm kept up their attack and eventually took their first late lead on a three pointer by Nick Okorie at 95-94 with 2:59 left. They re-took the lead at 97-96 with 1:20 remaining on score by Louis Birdsong.
Volcy made 1 of 2 free throws to tie the score 97-97. Jones stole a pass from Billy Rush and went full court passing back and forth to Anthony Anderson and then scoring to give Saint John a 99-87 lead with 1:07 on the clock.
Saint John got the needed stop on the defensive end and Jones was fouled by Nick Evans while rebounding. He knocked down both for a 101-97 lead with 36 seconds left. Brandon Robinson air balled a three and Jones snatched the rebound. Alex Johnson was fouled and headed to the line to knock down both free throws and essentially salt away the win.
The Mill Rats were led by Kenny Jones with 21, Anthony Anderson 19, Alex Johnson 17, Ricky Volcy 13 points & 10 rebounds, and Tyrone Levett 13. The Storm was led by Rashad Whack with 19.
GAME 4 TICKETS ON SALE
Game 4 tickets are on sale at the Harbour Station box office, by calling 657-1234, and online at www.harbourstation.ca.
For more information, visit www.millratsbasketball.ca or email hoops@millratsbasketball.ca.
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