Growlers win 2nd game in franchise history in thriller against Rattlers

The 2022 CEBL season may not be the perfect inaugural campaign for the Newfoundland Growlers, but they earned their second win in franchise history with a 93-91 win over the Saskatchewan Rattlers on Saturday. at Memorial University.

Brandon Sampson scored the Elam Ending layup to end the back-and-forth affair, as the CEBL’s third-leading points scorer continued his excellent form by leading his team with 22 points while capturing four rebounds.

Terry Thomas also had a strong showing for Newfoundland with 20 points and nine rebounds, while center Nysier Brooks added 14 points and nine rebounds.

The Growlers (2-11) lost their first 10 games of the season before picking up a win over the Rattlers on July 3. Then, on Saturday at home, they beat the same club, cutting them from close range as the lead flipped back and forth. and win by one point in the Elam Ending.

The Rattlers (7-7) started the game fast on Saturday and seemed to be playing on the front foot, but that started to fade after the first quarter. D’Andre Bernar led the first quarter for the visitors with six points, as Saskatchewan started the second with a 25-18 lead.

The Growlers continued to build momentum in the second half, quickly building a 45-39 lead – their biggest of the day up to that point. With Sampson, Brooks and Junior Coudagan, Newfoundland took control of the game in the second half before eventually prevailing over Sampson’s layup with a target score set at 92.

« Our season was a bit difficult, but we tried to fight. It doesn’t matter how the attack goes, we just try to play defense, and it’s never too late. You never know how the season will unfold. » Brooks said.

« When we play basketball as a team and we split the ball inside and outside, it gives our perimeter [a chance] shoot a little better, and that’s better basketball. We have fun as a team and we trust each other. »

Tony Carr led the Rattlers with 30 points, while teammate Devante Bandoo showed consistency dropping 19 points.

The offensive transition was a highlight for Newfoundland in the win. Led by Thomas, the Growlers moved the ball quickly and ensured that Saskatchewan couldn’t control it often in the high-scoring areas of the floor – a quality few teams can trust.

With the win, the Growlers get much-needed confidence with their second home win. The team next takes on the Niagara River Lions at home next Friday, while the Rattlers host the Hamilton Honey Badgers on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET live on CBC Gem, cbcsports.ca and the CBC Sports app.

WATCH l The Growlers eliminate the Rattlers: