Millrats Capture Green Mountain Tip Off Tournament Title over Vermont
Published on December 28, 2008 under Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Saint John Riptide News Release
Barre, VT: The Manchester Millrats emerged victorious over the Vermont Frost Heaves 94-90, and in process captured the Green Mountain Tip Off Tournament Title in Barre, Vermont.
The Millrats and Heaves wasted no time renewing their heated rivalry of a year ago. Despite new faces on both clubs, the atmosphere was played with playoff-intensity with bragging rights and a $5,000 winner take all prize on the line, courtesy of the Premier Basketball League.
The game was a serious of ebbs and flows as both teams were feeling each other out from the start. Manchester held a slim 23-22 lead after the first quarter. Vermont got on a second quarter roll and built an eight point lead, but Manchester ralled to close within 51-47 at the half.
The Millrats manage to climb back even on two free throws by former Southern NH University star Sam Carey, at 64-64 late in the third. Ex-Portland Trailblazer, Desmond Ferguson's long three point dagger gave Manchester a 71-68 lead.
However Vermont rallied again and seemingly took control of the game with an 82-78 lead with just over two minutes remaining. The Millrats clawed even again in the waning moments, and then Sam Carey's offensive rebound and put back, along with two clutch free throws by Al Stewart, sealed the win for Manchester.
Hometown-hero Sam Carey finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Five other Millrats scored in double figures including PJ Young 14, Marlowe Currie with 13, Desmond Ferguson and Alex Owumi with 12, and Al Stewart with 11. Richard Millsap led Vermont with 17 in a losing effort.
"I'm really proud of our guys for pulling out a win in a playoff-intense road environment. We fought through adversity and didn't quit when we fell behind. This kind of game will help us down the line to be mentally tough," stated Manchester Head Coach Rob Spon.
The Manchester Millrats open the PBL season on the road versus Montreal (1/2/09) and Quebec (1/4/09). The regular season home opener is January 11th at Southern NH University in a rematch with the Vermont Frost Heaves.
Premier Basketball League Stories from December 28, 2008
- Millrats Capture Green Mountain Tip Off Tournament Title over Vermont - Saint John Riptide
- Manchester Defeats Vermont in PBL Green Mountain Tip-Off - Vermont Frost Heaves
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