River Lions off to 3- 0 start
The Niagara River Lions are off to their best start in franchise history.
The River Lions improved to 3- 0 with yet another impressive victory, this time 111- 91 over the Halifax Hurricanes Wednesday night at Meridian Centre.
“It’s early but we had a test with three ( London, Windsor, Halifax) really solid teams in here,” said first- year head coach Joe Raso, who definitely has his players believing.
Said Sam Muldrow said: “We’re more of a team this year, and the coach has set a standard that everyone knows. Nobody can take days off. We’re playing unselfish ball, and everyone has each other’s backs. Everyone is believing in each other.”
Raso showed a mutual respect for his 6- foot- 9 starting forward who hails from Florence, S. C.
“You know what? I have to say it — Sam Muldrow. Sam for three games has been the anchor of our defence — almost to a detriment,” Raso said.
“There’s too many of us watching Sam. He’s been that good.”
Muldrow, who has played in parts of all three seasons the Lions have been in Niagara, Wednesday scored nine points, pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked seven shots.
“I want to get defensive player of the year,” said Muldrow, who was in fact named SEC ( Southeastern Conference) defensive player of the year while playing for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
“I think I should have won it last year, but I know I didn’t play the entire season. That’s my goal this year.”
Raso appreciates and respects Muldrow’s demeanour and leadership skills on the floor.
“Sam does the best job of putting his game- face on and you don’t even know it,” Raso said.
“He does the best job of being emotionless.”
After a sloppy first quarter in which they trailed 25- 21, the River Lions shot almost 58 per cent from the field in the second, including draining four straight threepointers to take a 51- 39 lead into halftime.
Niagara increased its lead to 78- 61 heading into the fourth quarter as five players reached doubledigits in scoring on the night.
Rookie Guillaume Boucard recorded his first career professional double- double draining 11 points to go along with 10 rebounds, as the Lions dished out 32 assists in the game — compared to just 15 for Halifax.
“The nice thing about it is I saw some things we can improve on,” said Raso. “That’s one area as a coach that excites you because you see weaknesses.”
The River Lions now take to the road to play two games in Newfoundland against the expansion St. John’s Edge, before returning home next Friday night when they welcome the London Lightning. Tipoff at Meridian Centre is set for 7 p. m.
“We’re going to find out who we are,” Raso said. “We’re going to be playing in an exciting arena, their home opener, but I’m happy — that’s three good wins.
“We’ve played three games where we’ve shot the ball pretty well, I’m looking forward to us getting a W ( win) when we don’t shoot it real well.”
Lion Pride: Again Raso used his entire bench in the victory as the River Lions shot over 53 per cent from the floor for a second straight game … The Lions drained 17 threepointers in the win … Andravious Smith recorded his first pro basket — a three- pointer late in the fourth quarter for Niagara … Halifax, last year’s NBL Canada runners up to the champion London Lightning, entered the game with a 2- 2 record.