NEW NBL SEASON
Cape Breton loses 106-98 to visiting St. John’s Edge
The Highlanders were in action against St. John’s at Centre 200 last night.
The Cape Breton Highlanders fought back to take the lead early in the fourth quarter, but the St. John’s Edge hit big shots down the stretch for a 10698 win in National Basketball League of Canada play Tuesday at Centre 200.
Duke Mondy led the way for Cape Breton in the loss, firing 24 points to go along with 10 rebounds and six assists in the setback in front of 1,177 fans.
“They made better decisions, smarter plays. They executed well down the stretch. They knocked down the open threes that we gave them,” said the 26-year-old guard from Grand Rapids, Mich.
“But it’s a long season. I think we’re going to have a great season. It’s a bright future for us. We just have to keep working hard, minimize our mistakes and execute and transition when we get a steal or a stop.”
After a sluggish start by both teams, business picked up in the second quarter. St. John’s stretched their lead to as many as 11, but Cape Breton clawed back to cut the deficit to 51-48 at the half and trailed 74-72 heading into the fourth.
Cape Breton took an 83-80 lead early in the final quarter, but St. John’s began to pull away, thanks in part to longtime pro and Canadian national team member Carl English, who hit some big threes when it mattered most. The 36-year-old from St. John’s finished with a game-high 25 points.
“We played better in the second half, but we let them get the rhythm,” said English. “Both teams started very sluggish. It
was their first game and we’re coming off a brutal start of the season. The scheduling was not in our favour with the travel, but it’s no excuse.
“It’s a test of a young team what we have…We went up by 11 and they came back. Overall, it’s a learning experience and it’s getting better.”
Charles Mann netted 19 points as well for Cape Breton (0-1), while both Aly Ahmed and Ari Stewart chipped in 13 points apiece. Point guard Daquan Brooks also had 12.
Charles Hinkle scored 23 to go along with nine rebounds for the Edge (2-1). Alex Johnson scored 11 and hauled down nine boards.
“You can’t lose at home,” said Cape Breton head coach Rob Spon. “I know it was our first game, but it was disappointing because we practised so hard. We still have 39 games to go, but we definitely have to clean up our act.”
The Highlanders hit the road for a five-game road trip starting Thursday against the Saint John Riptide. They’ll return home Dec. 6 to host the Windsor Express, a 7 p.m. start.