RATTLERS UPEND STINGERS 97-85
SASKATOON, SK -The Saskatchewan Rattlers defeated the Edmonton Stingers 97-85 on home court to bounce back to 500. The Rattlers are now 4-4 with the Stingers 4-4.
Saskatchewan held a 25-22 lead at the end of the first quarter. The lead swapped back and forth in the second quarter as both offences continued to execute efficiently. Offensive rebounds were at a premium for both sides so the 51 per cent shooting of the Rattlers kept them in front of the 42 per cent shooting of the Stingers but by a slim margin. Johnson and Bandoo took over the scoring early in the quarter, responsible for 13 combined points in the quarter. Marlon Johnson around the rim put back two baskets and Bandoo hit a three and a jumper, to go with a series of Baker free throwsand Lindsey finishes around the hoop. Three Rattlers entered double-digit scoring at halftime, Carr with 12 points, Bandoo scoring 13 points and Lindsey 13 points. 22 points in the paint for the Stingers primarily came from Johnson who went into halftime with 14 points on 66 per cent shooting inside. Leading on the boards was Tshimanga with five rebounds for the Rattlers and Johnson with eight rebounds for the Stingers.
Saskatchewan held a narrow 43-42 lead over the Stingers at halftime.
Brody Clarke started the scoring for the third quarter with a pair of free throws, but the Stingers replied to push their lead to five points for which it stayed throughout the quarter. Devonte Bandoo hit a series of threes throughout the game and that continued in the third as he entered the fourth quarter with 22 points shooting 5-8 from three-point range. Every time the Stingers got the ball into Baker or Clarke or Rowell Graham-Bell who got to the free throw line twice, Lindsey and Bandoo responded and the Rattlers went into the fourth quarter with a 10-point, 73-63 lead over Edmonton.
Bandoo led the Rattlers with 25 points and five rebounds. Lindsey added 21 points and two rebounds, four assists and a steal. Carr scored 20 points to go with five rebounds and four assists. Benlevi rounded out the starters in double-digits with 16 points, three rebounds, an assist and a block. D’andre Bernard added 11 points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal off the bench.
(CEBL Communications)
