Ratlers Roll Big Over Lions
The Ambrose Lions stepped into the Snake Pit to take on the Medicine Hat College Rattlers. The Rattlers stepped into the matchup hoping to build on a win the night previous. The game started with both teams dialed in from long range. Both making a 3 for their first baskets. As the game continued on the Rattlers started to distance themselves. With strong shooting from Omon Edobar and Jaamel Slack the lead was 16-7. This forced the Lions to call a timeout at the midpoint of the quarter. The Medicine Hat side continued to push with an up-tempo offense that was making slashing moves to the basket. The Lions tried their best to run with the Rattlers but were unable to match their pace. Only when they were able to slow the Rattlers down was their defense working. A late basket from the Lions cut into the Medicine hat lead, 22-15 at the end of the quarter.
The third quarter started with the Home team able to run and gun again. Scoring a quick two baskets and an and one. This once again stretched the lead, now 11. The only offence the Lions were able to generate was from the outside shot. This was starting to work as the 3 ball was chipping away at the lead. The frustration from the Rattlers bench was evident as the lead was starting to disappear. A scramble play in the corner saw an Ambrose player leave the game with an apparent shoulder injury. This seemed to kill all the energy in they gym which was now very quiet. This played to the visitors advantage as they closed the gap even more. The lead down to just 1 with 3:30 on the clock, Ambrose finished the comeback and took a 1 point lead. As soon as this happened the Rattlers responded with two straight to regain a small advantage. Again on the fast break the Rattlers scored 3 straight to extend their lead to 9. This lead was cut into by 1 by the half with the score 49-41, Medicine Hat up at the break.
The third quarter started with a quick basket from Ambrose. Medicine Hat answered immediately with a deep 3. After a quick turnover from the Lions Jaamel Slack hit his second 3 in a row. From here the game settled in to a back and forth affair. Both teams were able to convert on offence continuing the high scoring affair. 2 quick Rattler baskets had the Lions on their heels forced to call a timeout. The Lions converted on their next trip down making good on their conference. This seemed to settle the game down again with teams trading scores. At 3:11 a Massive Alley-oop from Jaamel Slack to D'shawn Tyrell injected the gym with a burst of energy. This helped the Rattlers extend the lead to 19. As the quarter came to a close both teams pushed to finish strong. Some good play at both ends from both teams was the story of the day. At the end of the 3rd the Rattlers extended their lead, 80-58.
The fourth quarter had to be a big one if the Lions hoped to climb back in the game. The quarter started slow with misses coming on both ends. The teams found their groove as baskets started falling. Medicine Hat forced 2 turn overs leading to two back to back D'shawn Tyrell dunks. This had the Lions bench reeling and needing to call a timeout. Coming out of the timeout the Rattlers were able to make a stop and convert. The Lions comeback hopes were slipping further and further out of grasp. With 4 minutes in the game the Rattlers deep bench came on the court. Even with the bench the Rattlers were able to continue scoring and playing defense effectively. Even the Rattlers bench heated up hitting baskets and cleaning the offensive glass. A skirmish with 5 second on the clock saw Lion Nathan Kravetsky foul out. Another Pair of technical fouls handed out at the end of the game saw a chippy affair end 107-71 for the Rattlers.