River Lions stung in Edmonton
The Niagara River Lions, seen in this file shot, dropped a 105-99 decision to the Edmonton Stingers in Canadian Elite Basketball League action Friday.
A poor second quarter cost the Niagara River Lions big time Friday night in Edmonton.
The River Lions were out-scored 34-19 in the second quarter as they dropped a 105-99 decision to the Edmonton Stingers in Canadian Elite Basketball League action.
The loss drops the River Lions record to 9-3. They are 3-3 on the road and a perfect 6-0 at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines.
“We had a tough turnaround and weren’t mentally prepared for the physicality of the game,” River Lions coach/general manager Victor Raso said. “They were eager to play us and punched us in the mouth, and it took us until the mid-third quarter to respond, after we dug ourselves a 22-point hole.
“We discussed afterwards how important it is to be ready for the fight from the top, regardless of the circumstances. We almost tied the game in the fourth but it can’t take that long, especially on the road. We need to play better on the road because at the end of the day to win this league you have to win two away games in Saskatoon.”
Ryan Anderson scored 21 points in 30 minutes off the bench for the River Lions while Alex Johnson chipped in with 20 and Dorian Pinson with 19. Yohanny Dalembert (16) and Guillaume Payan-Boucard (12) also reached double figures.
The Stingers, 6-4, had seven players hit for double figures including Travis Daniels, who led the way with 20.
Edmonton shot 52 per cent from the floor compared to 44 per cent for the River Lions. The Stingers also out-rebounded the River Lions 44-35.
The River Lions are back in action Friday, July 5 when the host Saskatchewan at 7 p.m.