River Lions repel Moncton Magic
Sometimes a team needs to pullout a gutsy win.
That was the case Sunday afternoon at Meridian Centre as the Niagara River Lions snapped a three-game losing streak with a 97-94 win over the Moncton Magic.
In a game that saw nine lead changes, the River Lions finally prevailed to improve to 9-11 on the season.
“That was a gut win,” a relieved Lions head coach Joe Raso said.
“We had two teams right here that both we’re fighting (tough) schedules. Both were fighting personnel adversities — that was tough game for both teams.
Fatigue was going to be a factor for both teams, and whoever took advantage of it, and whoever fought through it, was going to have the greatest advantage.
“I thought we made some good runs, and got some good loose ball efforts.”
The game was tied 22-22 after one quarter of play. The Lions led 43-40 at the half and 73-65 heading into the fourth quarter.
With Niagara up three points in the dying seconds, Guillaume Boucard had a key block to seal the victory off a Moncton inbounds play.
Jaywuan Hill led Niagara and all scorers with a season-high 26 points, but the River Lions unselfish play also shone through as the team dished out 30 assists compared to just 14 for the Magic.
With veteran Omar Strong away from the team due to personal reasons, rookie guard Jaylon Tate had a game-high 11 dimes to go along with nine points.
“Jaylon is our leader right now,” said Raso. “He’s taken the lead, and taken the reigns the last couple of games with Omar not here. He’s been driving the train.”
For his part, Tate appreciates being leaned on by Raso.
“Coach gives me a lot of confidence. He pushes me a lot,” said Tate, a Chicago Illinois native, who is averaging 11.1 points and 6.1 assists per game.
“He probably pushes me the hardest, and I’m one of the youngest,” added the player who turns 23 on Tuesday.
“I just go out there and try to make plays, for myself and for my teammates.”
Despite his age and lack of experience playing professional basketball, Tate’s attitude is that of a veteran.
“When we all get out here, it’s just age — it’s just guys playing,” said Tate, who played his college ball at University of Illinois.
“I don’t really even think about it, but the guys sometimes make fun of me off the court but on it they show me a lot of respect.”
Three of the next four games are on home court for the Lions as Niagara next hosts the St. John’s Edge Friday night. Game time at Meridian Centre is 7 p.m.
“It’s always nice to be home,” Raso said. “We played hard (today). Did we play smart? Not for 48 (minutes) but we played hard.”
Lion Pride: Strong could return Friday night vs. St. John’s … Sam Muldrow left the game early in the first quarter after sprawling for a loose ball and appearing to hit his head … The two teams combined to shoot just 15-for-52 from beyond the arc.