Fraser Valley Bandits Record First Win in their History
The Fraser Valley Bandts made history in the CEBL on Thursday as they picked up the first win in franchise history.
Playing the Saskatchewan Rattlers on the road, after a back-and-forth start to the game the Bandits went in front by nine points after seven minutes played. Continuing their superior close-range play, they were able to hold on to and grow their lead in the remainder of the game.
With 22 points in the contest, Bruce Massey led the offensive charge for the Rattlers, who also saw good numbers from Gentrey Thomas, who had 17 points, and Alex Campbell with 14. Even so, Saskatchewan found it hard to find their rhythm in the contest.
Displaying confidence and accuracy in their shooting, Fraser Valley ran out to a twenty-point lead in the fourth quarter, eventually finishing in front by 101 points to 89.
Tyrrell Tate finished one rebound short of a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing nine boards. His point total was matched by Levon Kendall, and the two finished behind Chris McLaughlin who had 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Niagara River Lions had a mixed few days either side of Fraser Valley's game. First they lead the Hamilton Honey Badgers from start to finish at the Meridian Centre, ahead by as many as 24 points and with Ryan Anderson leading all scorers with 25 of his own in the 108-96 River Lions win.
Two days later they blew an early lead against the Edmonton Stingers, who went on to dominate in the game with their shooting from the field and outside the arc, dropping seventeen three-pointers in the game.
Akeem Ellis impressed with 16 points for Edmonton, who were led by Travis Daniels with 20, while Anderson and Alex Johnson both passed the twenty-point mark for Niagara in the 105-99 loss.
Even so, the River Lions remain top of the league, while Edmonton’s win moves them up to third place. The Saskatchewan Rattlers will be hoping their losing streak will stay at two games and will be picking up more wins soon and move further up the order.
The Fraser Valley Bandits, though, are finally off the mark, but have a lot of room to make up if they going to compete for a spot in the championship round.
