Ottawa SkyHawks Start New Year With Win Against The Mississauga Power
January 4, 2014 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Ottawa SkyHawks News Release
Looking to snap their seven game losing streak and failing thanks to a certain group of high-flying ball pros, the Mississauga Power hosted the Ottawa SkyHawks in what was their first NBL faceoff of 2014.
Coming off two wins in the last days of 2013, one of which was against the Power, the SkyHawks entered the new year with grit and determination to go for a third win and hopefully start 2014 on the right foot.
First quarter of Saturday night's game ended with the Power holding onto the lead throughout and finishing up by 3 points at 25-23. Ottawa's very own Eric Kibi and big man Jermaine Johnson led in points with 7 each meanwhile Tirrell Baines kept the board game on the up and up with 4 rebounds.
Second quarter started swinging in Ottawa's direction as they stole the lead back and were sitting at 30-34 four minutes into the game. Tying at 41-41 with two minutes left to spare in the first half, the SkyHawks pushed forward and ended the with a succession of 5 quick points putting them up 7 points and ending first half at 44-51.
Leading Ottawa going into second half was Justin Tubbs with 16 points meanwhile Tirrell Baines and Eric Kibi kept the defense together with 8 rebounds each.
It seemed like de ja vu again as Ottawa pulled away and sat on a steady 10 point lead from the Power in the third. At the forefront of the SkyHawks action was Justin Tubbs with 19 points as Eric Kibi put the Power to shame with 15 rebounds alone meanwhile they stood at 36 rebounds collectively going into the fourth.
The wheels fell off on the Power train in the final quarter approximately halfway through the fourth as the Power seemed just too worn out to turn things around. For the second time in a row against the SkyHawks, the Power had a lackluster second half where they let the SkyHawks run away with the lead.
Having outscored Mississauga in all but the first quarter and outrebounding them 70-51, it's easy to see why the Power had an off game and ultimately continued onto an 8 game losing streak.
Saturday night's game ended as Ottawa walked away with a 3 game winning streak meanwhile the Power were left to sulk in their 8th loss in a row. Good to note for Saturday night's game was the glass board behemoth that was Eric Kibi. Securing an outstanding 18 rebounds for his team, Kibi was leaps and bounds above the highest rebounder on the Power who only managed half of Kibi's 18.
When asked about his thoughts on Saturday night's game, SkyHawks head coach Jaren Jackson said " Great game once again, the consistency of Eric Kibi with 18 rebounds was phenomenal as he pushed tonight's envelope with tenacity. Additionally, Jerice Crouch did a stellar job leading the team once more and of course I can't forget our major spark off the bench Justin Tubbs with 31 points"
"It was a great team effort, guys came in and stepped up and we played great defense down the stretch" said one happy Justin Tubbs who put down an impressive 31 points.
"That was a great team win, everyone contributed in their own way, we have to keep it going tomorrow against the tough London Lightning" added Ottawa native Eric Kibi who turned heads at Saturday night's game where he had a career high of 18 rebounds.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from January 4, 2014
- Ottawa SkyHawks Start New Year With Win Against The Mississauga Power - Ottawa SkyHawks
- Late Comeback Not Enough, Power Lose to SkyHawks 106-93 - Mississauga Power
- Mill Rats Acquire Canadian Guard - Saint John Riptide
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
