RATTLERS WIN AT ABBOTTSFORD
The Saskatchewan Rattlers finally broke through their slump, beating the Fraser Valley Bandits 91-79 on Thursday.
This win is their first since June 13 and snaps their five-game losing streak.
Fraser Valley kicked off the game with a three from captain Marek Klassen, which was followed by a jumper from Negus Webster-Chan. Klassen proceeded to hit another jumper, bringing the score to 5-2 two minutes into the game.
Almost a minute later, Shaquille Kieth nailed a jump shot for the visiting Rattlers, his first-ever bucket for the team. This started a 16-0 run for Saskatchewan, fueled by six points from Alex Campbell.
After 10 minutes of play, the Rattlers led the home team 24-13.
Fraser Valley grabbed hold of the momentum early in the second quarter, scoring seven straight points. With the lead cut to four, Keith dropped a three to widen the gap. Five points from Terry Thomas gave the Rattlers a 12 point lead almost three minutes into the quarter.
The lead fluctuated throughout the second, with Fraser Valley piecing together short runs to inch closer to the visitors. Shaq Keith began to take over for the visitors, scoring half of Saskatchewan’s points in the quarter.
When the second buzzer rang, the Fraser Valley led the Rattlers by a score of 41-40.
Saskatchewan reclaimed their lead in the third, with multiple players pitching in. Marlon Johnson added six points to his team’s tally, and Negus Webster-Chan scored eight-straight points with four minutes to go, bringing the lead to twelve. After a strong third-quarter performance, the Rattlers led 66-54.
On the brink of their first win since early June, the Rattlers kept their foot on the gas. More dominance from Shaq supported Saskatchewan’s efforts, as he scored 12 more points in the quarter.
In the end, the visiting Rattlers defeated the Bandits 91-79.
Newcomer Shaq Keith proved his worth Thursday, scoring a game-high 27 points in his Rattler debut. The Toronto native was brought on after a spree of roster moves for Saskatchewan earlier this week, and his presence was immediately felt.
The 7-8 Rattlers will now travel to Hamilton for a match against the Honey Badgers on Saturday, hoping to carry their momentum for Thursday’s win.
As for Fraser Valley, they fall to 4-12 on the season. They’ll now travel to Edmonton for a game against the Stingers next Thursday.
