Millrats Close Out Vermont
January 11, 2009 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Saint John Riptide News Release
The Manchester Millrats held on late and closed out a big win against the Vermont Frost Heaves 93-89 in their home opener.
Manchester had defeated the Frost Heaves in Barre two weeks ago to win the Green Mountain Tip Off Tournament, but dropped two close road games last weekend in Canada, beginning their inaugural season in the Premier Basketball League at 0-2. Millrats Head Coach Rob Spon called today's game a "must-win".
Manchester opened attacking early, but a scoring drought helped Vermont achieve a 13-7 score with five minutes left in the first quarter. New Manchester signee Keith Salscheider came off the bench to score 8 straight points, including two deep threes, to give the Millrats a 15-14 first quarter lead. By halftime, Manchester had extended the lead to 47-29.
In the third quarter, the lead swelled to as many as 22 points before Vermont began to rally. By the end of the third, Manchester's lead was down to 71-58. A 12-0 run by the Frost Heaves to start the fourth quarter cut the deficit to just one, 71-70.
The teams exchanged baskets down the stretch before former Southern New Hampshire University star Sam Carey's turnaround basket in traffic tied the game at 87-87 with just 42 seconds left. Al Stewart then came up with a big steal, canceling Vermont's key possession. On the ensuing play, Salscheider went backdoor for an easy layup and an 89-87 Manchester lead. Vermont's Joe Nixon missed a three point attempt, and Salscheider knocked down two free throws to seal the win.
With the victory, the Millrats picked up their first win in the Premier Basketball League (PBL) and improved to 1-2 on the season. Vermont falls to 1-1.
The Millrats were led by Keith Salscheider who finished with 22 points off the bench. Sam Carey tallied 13, while Al Stewart had a great all around game with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.
Benson Callier was Vermont's leading scorer with 17 points. Joe Nixon, Joseph Williams, and Greg Stevenson each scored 13 to round out the Frost Heaves who finished with double figures.
The two teams will battle each other again this Thursday night at 7:05 pm, as Manchester travels to Barre, Vermont for another match up of two rivals.
Premier Basketball League Stories from January 11, 2009
- Sasquatch hands Rainmen first loss of the season - Montreal Sasquatch
- Millrats Close Out Vermont - Saint John Riptide
- Frost Heaves Comeback Falls Short - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Frost Heaves vs Millrats Live - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Panthers Pounce Twice on Destroyers - Detroit Panthers
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