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Rainmen Derail the Windsor Xpress

November 24, 2012 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Halifax Rainmen News Release


(HALIFAX, NS) What a difference a week makes.

Under the direction of new head Robert Spon, the Rainmen blew out the Windsor Express 103 - 85 at the Metro Centre Saturday night.

The expansion Express have had a difficult time on their first east coast road trip, losing by double digits for the second time in as many nights.

Windsor came out flat with consecutive turnovers - eight in the quarter - a problem that plagued the team all night.

The energy and effort from the Rainmen from start to finish was a complete reverse from the team which limped off the court last week in a 22-point loss to Moncton.

Spon's influence was evident from the opening tip as the Rainmen played with a renewed sense of confidence. Antoine Tisby benefited from great ball distribution putting in 8 first quarter points. Brandon Robinson led the revamped defensive effort with four steals in the opening frame.

Windsor leading scorer Mike Helms did his part to keep his team in the game with 12 first half points.

The Rainmen once again struggled from behind the arc hitting only one-of-eight to start, but had success in the paint scoring 32 of their first 41 points.

Windsor had no answer for Halifax's aggressiveness to the basket as Josiah Turner carved his way through the Express' front court.

The highlight of the half came from Joey "The King Handles" Haywood's between the legs pass, giving the Rainmen a 14-point lead going into the half.

The Rainmen put the game out of reach in the third - a quarter which had plagued them this season - outscoring the opposition 35 - 22.

After a shaky first half, Joey Haywood rattled off 7 straight points, followed by a Darren Duncan three and the rout was on.

The frustration of a long road trip was evident as game leading scorer Mike Helms was ejected with three minutes remaining in the quarter after receiving consecutive technical fouls.

Halifax shot a blistering 61% from the field in the quarter and coasted to their first win under Spon.

Windsor did their part to make the score more respectable in the fourth outscoring the Rainmen 22 - 13 but the deficit was too much to overcome.

Windsor's inability to take care of the ball cost them as they turned the ball over 27 times leading to 36 points.

The backcourt play of Haywood, Turner and Duncan paced the team as the three combined for 38 points and 13 assists.

Three point shooting inefficiency didn't burn the Rainmen tonight as they only shot 11.8% from the arc.

Halifax looks to push their winning streak to two games as they take on the Atlantic Conference leaders Summerside Storm (5-3) Sunday November 25th at 2pm at the Metro Centre.

Halifax is at home Sunday November 25th against the Summerside Storm 2pm at the Metro Centre. Tickets for kids under the age of 12 are only five dollars at the Metro Center Box office. > For more information on the Halifax Rainmen, please visit www.rainmenbasketball.ca or follow the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rainmenbasketball) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/halifaxrainmen).

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National Basketball League of Canada Stories from November 24, 2012


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