Red Claws Overcome 10-Point Deficit to Beat Delaware
Published on February 8, 2015 under NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, defeated the Delaware 87ers (11-19) 91-81 in comeback fashion at the Portland Expo. With a strong overall performance form tonight's player of the game, Ralph Sampson III (8 points, 9 rebounds, 9 blocks), the Red Claws improve to 20-10 overall and 5-1 in the season battle against the 87ers. The Red Claws will maintain a two game winning streak as they head into the all-star break.
Chris Babb (14 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds) seemed to be back in his grove after starting only his second game since missing five straight games due to a knee injury. Babb lead off scoring in the game with a nifty floater inside the paint and a three pointer from downtown. The Red Claws saw scoring from Christian Watford, Jason Calliste, Andre Dawkins, Omari Johnson, and Sherwood Brown in the first quarter but an impressive shooting display from Victor Rudd (17 points, 1 steal, 8 assists) and the 87ers.
Andre Dawkins (13 points, 2 assists) and Omari Johnson (20 points, 3 assists, 1 steal, 11 rebounds) made several attempts to cut the 87ers lead in the second quarter. Dawkins sunk two shots from downtown in the quarter while Johnson added a pair of baskets and two free throws. Once again, the Red Claws saw a team effort in scoring which featured five different scorers in the quarter.
Maine found their groove as they entered the second half. Chris Babb led scoring in the half once again with a put back jumper, which was followed by a nifty pass from Babb down low to Ralph Sampson III. Omari Johnson would lead the Red Claws in two straight scoring runs going 8-0 and 6-0. Maine would gather their first lead of the game since 8:47 in the first quarter with 4:54 remaining in the third and they didn't stop there. Jason Calliste (7 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds) closed out the third quarter with a smooth three point shot with only second remaining on the clock.
After Calliste's strong finish to the third quarter, Maine would hold on to the lead for the remainder of the game. Ralph Sampson III proved that he is a force to be reckoned with both on offense and defense. Sampson was one rebound and a put back away from his first triple double of the season. Maine saw a strong back-to-back performance from Omari Johnson who finished last night's game versus Westchester with 30 points. Johnson came out strong once again tonight putting up a total of 20 points, 3 assists and 11 rebounds. Boston Celtics assignee Andre Dawkins was one of three Red Claws in double digits tonight.
Maine will be pleased to take this winning streak with them into the all-star break. After playing two straight games in less than 24 hours, the Red Claws will enjoy their week off. Chris Babb, Tim Frazier and the Red Claws coaching staff won't experience as long of a break as the rest of the squad, as they are off to Brooklyn for the NBA D-League all-star game on Saturday, February 14th. Babb and the coaching staff will join the rest of the team will be back in action at the Expo on Sunday, February 22nd as they take on the Erie Bayhawks for a 5:00pm tip off.
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