Randy Gill Leads Maryland to Great Overtime Victory

Published on February 3, 2005 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Maryland NightHawks News Release


District Heights, MD. A heroic effort by Randy "White Chocolate" Gill was almost lost as the Nighthawks edged the Carolina Thunder 136-129 in overtime after relinquishing a 20-pt. third quarter lead. "I am proud of how we regrouped after losing the lead, but we have to learn how to close out opponents," explained Nighthawks Head Coach Twiggy Sanders, whose team now stands with a record of 12-8.

The Nighthawks were led by Gill, who first arose to fame last summer by winning the MTV Magic Johnson "Who's Got Game" contest. The 6'1" point guard has been an igniter in the ABA and Wednesday night epitomized it as he scored 41 points, connecting on 9-13 three point attempts, dishing out 6 assists, grabbing 5 rebounds, stealing 3 balls in 47 minutes of playing time. But it was his 2 game tying free throws with 1 second left and his team down 119-117 that proved to be the most crucial.

In overtime Gill, along with forward Jason Williams ignited the effort as the Nighthawks jumped out early going on a 9-2 run. For the game, Williams had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Carolina seemed to run out of magic in the overtime period after staging a valiant 4th period comeback in which the team scored 39 points in overcoming a 15 point fourth period deficit. They were led by the sharp shooting tandem of Shane Nicely and Brett Harper, who had 31 and 30 points respectively. Nicely had 16 rebounds and 7 assists. In fact, Carolina shot better from the field (56 to 53%) and out rebounded the Nighthawks (45-40). The difference was the 3-pt shooting of the Nighthawks who connected on 17-31 compared to 2 for 15 for Carolina.

The two teams meet in Carolina this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The Nighthawks return home next Thursday, Feb 10th at 7PM to take on New Jersey at Run N' Shoot Center in District Heights, Maryland. For more information, call Rick Matsko at 301 758 1090, email rmatsko@marylandnighthawks.com or visit 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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American Basketball Association Stories from February 3, 2005


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