Millrats down Heaves in border skirmish
October 27, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Saint John Riptide News Release
The expansion Manchester Millrats downed the defending ABA Champion Vermont Frost Heaves 97 - 92 in preseason action in Vermont.
The Vermont Frost Heaves won the 2007 ABA Championship in their inaugural season, but tonight's game dawned a new season and a new twist on an old rivalry. Vermont and New Hampshire are natural rivals of each other in high school sports, college, and minor league, and the Heaves - Millrats future battles will be no different.
The first half was a back and forth affair with neither team gaining a significant lead. The Millrats entered the half with a slight 49-47 advantage. Charles Easterling led the Millrats with 11 points in the first half.
In the third quarter, the Frost Heaves came to life and seemingly took control of the game. A three point shot by ABA All Star forward Antonio Burks gave Vermont their largest lead, at thirteen. But Coach Lessett rallied the âRats and the Manchester defense dug in. The Millrats used a quick 13 - 3 run to cut the Heaves led down to three with 2:07 remaining in the third period.
In the fourth quarter, the two exchanged punches like heavyweight fighters feeling themselves out. In the final two minutes, the Millrats forced three consecutive turnovers which led to transition layups by Ismael Caro and Souleymane Wane. The Heaves were forced to foul to stop the clock and three free throws by Ismael Caro preserved the victory.
The Millrats were led by former UConn center Souleymane Wane's 13 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots. Ismael Caro added 15 points and 6 assists, David Cooper posted 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Charles Easterling finished with 11 points and a game saving dive out of bounds to preserve the last possession. Reserve guard John Huggins, who was almost a Frost Heave last season before being released, scored 15 points off the bench.
"What a great way to begin the season and our training camp," said Millrats Coach Larry Lessett, "we think the sky is the limit for this group."
The Millrats are a new entry in the American Basketball Association (ABA), and will play their home games in the âFieldhouse' on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH. The season and home opener is set for Sunday November 11, 2007 at 4:35 p.m. versus the Boston Blizzard. Single game, season and half season ticket plans are on sale now on www.manchestermillrats.com or by calling 1-866-9-GET TIX (1-866-943-8849).
For more information please contact Millrats Director of Media Relations, Steve Yankopoulos at millrats@gmail.com or visit www.manchestermillrats.com, or www.abalive.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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