CEBL SUMMER SERIES – EDMONTON AND GUELPH TIED FOR FIRST
@DonaldHigney
Niagara River Lions vs. Edmonton Stingers
In another close Elam Ending finish, the Edmonton Stingers overcame a five point deficit to beat the Niagara River Lions 87-82.
To begin Elam Time, Niagara’s Kassius Robertson was fouled while hitting a three pointer. After making that, the River Lions had a five point lead.
Three fouls on consecutive possessions from Guilaume Bouchard let Edmonton’s Jordan Baker and Xavier Moon go to the line, going 6-7. On the other end, a foul from Baker let Tyrone Watson go to the line, splitting them.
Another Niagara three gave them the lead, this time from Trae Bell-Haynes. Edmonton’s Travis Daniels made a shot on the other end, cutting it to one. Great defence from the Stingers forced a 24 second shot clock violation, giving Edmonton the chance to win the game.
Jordan Baker hit a driving layup, giving the Edmonton Stingers the win. The player of the game was given to Jordan Baker, who had 19 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Xavier Moon also had 24 points.
For the River Lions, Trae Bell-Haynes had 23 points, eight assists and three steals. Daniel Mullings had 11 off the bench.
Edmonton now sits at first place in the league at 3-1. With games left against Saskatoon tomorrow and Guelph on Monday, they have a chance to go 5-1 or 4-2.
Unfortunately for Niagara, they are now last at 1-3, looking from the outside in terms of the playoffs. They have games against Fraser Valley on Sunday and Ottawa on Tuesday up next, and will probably have to win both of them to have a chance at the playoffs.
Guelph Nighthawks vs. Saskatchewan Rattlers
A strong second half from the Guelph Nighthawks pushed them past the Saskatchewan Rattlers 87-71.
Guelph outscored Saskatchewan 43 to 30 in the second half. A big reason for that was only allowing 19 shots in the half, opposed to Guelph’s 27.
They also limited turnovers, coughing the ball up 18 times compared to Saskatchewan’s 22. They capitalized on that with 16 fast-break points.
It wasn’t just an individual performance, 10 different players scored in the second half. The Player of the Game Tre’Darius McCallum had 14 of his 18 points in the second half. He also had four steals.
Everyone one the Nighthawks scored tonight. Olu Famutimi had 14 points off the bench. Starters Jonathan Arledge had 13 points and Kimbal Mackenize had 11.
Saskatchewan was top-heavy in their scoring. Four players scored in double digits and accounted for the majority of their points. Kris Joseph had 18.
Guelph is now tied with Edmonton for first in the league, who will play each other on Monday. On Wednesday, they will play Fraser Valley, another team jockeying for playoff positioning.
The defending champs are now in a three way tie for fourth with Hamilton and Ottawa. They play tomorrow against Edmonton, and then on Tuesday against Hamilton.
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