Mill Rats Will Gutsy Overtime Win 126-123
April 2, 2016 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
SAINT JOHN, N.B. - The Saint John Mill Rats came from behind to will a gutsy overtime win, 126-123, over the Moncton Miracles.
"This was one of the most exciting games we've ever had at Harbour Station," said Mill Rats Head Coach Rob Spon. "Credit to a great team from Moncton, they were a handful, but I liked the character that our guys showed tonight in never quitting."
Saint John led 23-12 in the first quarter before nearly Moncton closed the quarter on a 12-4 run, to come within 27-24. But Anthony Anderson drew a foul at the quarter horn, and knocked down both free throws to made the lead 29-24 after one.
In the second quarter again Saint John built a lead, this time as many as 12. But Moncton wouldn't quit, and tied the game 55-55 before Olu Famutimi's three pointer made it 58-55 Mill Rats at the half.
In the third quarter the Mill Rats were finding it hard to score, putting up just 11 points in 9 minutes and found themselves trailing 76-69 to the visitors. But Gabe Freeman sparked at rally with his energy and the Mill Rats found themselves down just 82-79 entering the fourth quarter.
The Miracles continued to make tough shots down the stretch and rebuilt a sizable lead at 98-90 with just 5 minutes left. Gabe Freeman tipped in a miss and Anthony Anderson was found streaking to the hoop downcourt the next possession for a 98-94 score.
Then James Justice was nailed for technical, but the Mill Rats failed to convert the free throw or score. After another stop, Freeman found himself to the basket to make it 98-96. The defense held again and Doug Herring was fouled driving to the basket. He hit both free throws to tie it 98-98.
After the Miracles scored, Gabe Freeman drained a jumper on the three point line to tie it again 100-100. Then he scored a layup plus the foul for a 103-102 lead with 1:26 left. Freeman again hit the offensive boards for big rebound and put back to tie it at 106 with 27 seconds left. Moncton attempted a shot with 6 seconds left and Doug Herring missed a runner from 30 feet that hit the back of the rim. And overtime it was.
The thrilling overtime saw 37 points scored and a series of chess moves by both coaches down the stretch. The Mill Rats punched ahead when Gabe Freeman hit three pointer, and then rebounded a free throw miss, was fouled and hit both. The Mill Rats led by four with 7 seconds left when Mike Martin hit a deep desperation three pointer. Ricky Volcy, Chris Smith, and Gabe Freeman were 10-10 from the line down the stretch to seal the victory.
Saint John improve their record to 19-12 on the season while Moncton drops to 13-17.
Gabe Freeman led Saint John with 35 points and 12 rebounds, Anthony Anderson and Chris Smith scored 20 a piece, Ricky Volcy had 13 points, Doug Herring Jr 12, and Olu Famutimi 10. James Justice scored 31 for Moncton.
Anthony Stover had 7 points and 7 blocks in his return from injured reserve.
The Mill Rats host the two time champion London Lightning on Friday night at 7PM at Harbour Station. Saturday's game against the Halifax Hurricanes has been moved to 2PM to make way for a Saint John Sea Dogs playoff at 8PM that night.
Tickets are available at the Harbour Station box office and online here: http://www.harbourstation.ca/events/index/6
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.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from April 2, 2016
- Orangeville Can't Stop 4th Quarter Attack, Lose 110-99 to London - Orangeville A's
- Mill Rats Will Gutsy Overtime Win 126-123 - Saint John Riptide
- Lightning Top A's - London Lightning
- Critical Rivalry Game Tonight At Harbour Station! - Saint John Riptide
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