ABA Saint John Riptide

Millrats Weather Blizzard

Published on November 11, 2007 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Saint John Riptide News Release


The Manchester Millrats weathered the Boston Blizzard 127-112 in their inaugural home opener before an animated crowd of 1,200-1,300. The Millrats showed they have what it takes to become a fixture in the Manchester minor league sports scene.

After a dazzling pre-game light and sound show, the Millrats jumped on the boys from Beantown early. Point guard Ismael Caro and center Souleymane Wane did the damage early as the Blizzard seemed stunned, and as a result the Millrats opened a nineteen point second quarter lead. Stacey Moragne's three point shooting in the second quarter also provided a huge spark for the Millrats.

The Millrats 13th man celebrity guest, Stan Spiro, was inserted into the game at the 1:12 mark of the second quarter. The Blizzard took advantage of the situation, and went on a 10-0 run off several 3D turnovers, to cut the lead down to just eight, at 52-44 at the half.

In the second half, the Blizzard regained the lead late on a three point play by guard Eric Downie, at 82-79. But the Millrats fed off of the crowd's energy and took back control of the game. Two three point shots by Ismael Caro, a slam and a lay in by Souleymane Wane, and a monster slam by Rob Sanders put the Millrats safely ahead by thirteen with just 1:30 to go.

The Millrats were led by center Souleymane Wane's 26 points, Ismael Caro and John Huggins contributed 21 each, Stacey Moragne posted 24, and Rob Sanders added 15. Eric Downie led the Boston Blizzard with 29 points. The Millrats are now 1-0 while Boston drops to 2-1 on the season.

The game also marked the debut of the Pink Sapphire Dancers and Milly the Millrat, both entertained the crowd throughout the night.

The Millrats return to the Fieldhouse this Saturday at 7:05 p.m. as they face the Halifax Rainmen and former NBA player Sam Mack. 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.



American Basketball Association Stories from November 11, 2007


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