Millrats Fall To RazorSharks In OT
January 16, 2010 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Saint John Riptide News Release
The Manchester Millrats hosted Durham's own Keith Friel and the Rochester RazorSharks in front of a packed house at the Southern New Hampshire University's Fieldhouse Saturday night. Both teams put on a show for the fans in an overtime contest that had plenty of offense. The game was fast-paced and came right down to the wire, but the Millrats fell to the RazorSharks in the extra frame, 130-117.
Manchester came out strong in the early part of the first quarter and took a 14-8 lead before the first timeout at 7:49. Play continued at a quick pace after the timeout as the RazorSharks got their offense in gear and amassed a 33-27 lead by the end of the first. The Rochester offense was ignited by eleven first-quarter points from Friel, but nine early points from Millrats guard Eric Gilchrese kept Manchester within striking distance.
In the second, the RazorSharks built a 51-46 lead with 3:10 left in the half. The Millrats went on a run and eventually took the lead on a three-point basket by Anthony Anderson off an assist from Al Stewart to take a 52-51 advantage. A three-pointer from Donielle Davis and two more baskets by Rochester made the score 58-52 in favor of Rochester at the half.
The teams came out in the second half and continued to run an up-tempo game. Rochester built a large lead in third, but the Manchester closed the gap before the end of the quarter and cut their deficit to 85-82. The run set the Millrats up for a fourth quarter where the score was tight all the way through. Manchester took a one-point lead on a three-point play by Dwight Brewington. A three-pointer from newcomer Luke Bonner then gave the team a 112-107 cushion, but the RazorSharks tied it up at 112 apiece to force overtime. In overtime, the Rochester outscored the Millrats 18-5.
Al Stewart and Eric Gilchrese led Manchester with 21 points apiece of the bench. Anthony Anderson provided 20 points, and Dwight Brewington added 17. Friel led all scorers with 31.
The contest was a reunion of sorts in the New Hampshire basketball community with the return of Friel and the Millrats' newly acquired Luke Bonner, who spent the previous months playing professional basketball in Hungary. In addition to the former Trinity High standout Bonner, Manchester's roster included five other players who played their high school or college careers in the Granite State: player-owner David Cooper (Manchester Central), Steve DeLuca and assistant coach Chris Burns (Merrimack), and Eric Gilchrese and Tyrece Gibbs (University of New Hampshire).
On Sunday, the theme is 'Veterans and Military Night', and all Veterans and Active Military personnel will be admitted for $1.00 with valid ID. The first 25 that show up will be upgraded to VIP Courtside seating. Dave Cummings from Hoops For Heroes will be shooting some of his 1 million free throws at halftime. Tickets are available online at www.millrats.com or at the door. Doors open 1 hour prior to tip off.
Premier Basketball League Stories from January 16, 2010
- Buffalo Stampede defeat Maryland Greenhawks 124-114 - Buffalo Stampede
- Millrats Fall To RazorSharks In OT - Saint John Riptide
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