Titans sleepwalk through first quarter, end up losing 118-111 in Moncton

MONCTON, N.B. — The Kitchener-Waterloo Titans lurched to a record-setting start — in all the wrong ways on Thursday night.

The National Basketball League of Canada team was on the short end of the Moncton Miracles’ league record 19-0 first-quarter run in a 118-111 loss to the hosts.

K-W trailed 30-10 after the first quarter en route to posting the squad’s 19th loss in 32 games.

Despite their horrendous start, the Titans actually battled back to tie and even took a late-game lead before Moncton knocked down some key shots through the home stretch.

Titans guard Jason Calliste finished his night with a gamehigh 26 points. Teammate Flenard Whitfield chipped in with 18 points, while fellow Titans Tramar Sutherland and Isiah Umipig hit for 14 points apiece.

Moncton’s Brandon Kearney hit for 24 points to lead the Miracles, who improve their record to 12-21. Tim Mitchell hauled in a game-best 12 rebounds for the winners.

The Titans, who have eight regular-season games left, travel to Prince Edward Island to take on the Island Storm on Friday night.

K-W completes its eastern swing Sunday in Halifax against the Atlantic Division-leading Hurricanes. The Titans are home April 15, when they entertain the Saint John Riptide at the Aud; then the Central Division leading London Lightning April 16.