Despite strong start, Fraser Valley Bandits fall to Niagara River Lions
Bandits Staff • July 12, 2019
ABBOTSFORD, BC, July 11, 2019 –
The Fraser Valley Bandits were able to contain the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s top team, the Niagara River Lions for three quarters, but faded in the fourth quarter before ultimately falling 104-94.
BOX SCORE
SCHEDULE
ROSTER
Marek Klassen (Abbotsford, BC) was an instrumental part of the Bandits’ offence, pouring in 23 points on 9-of-17 (52%) shooting while also collecting four assists.
“Niagara is a team that can hurt you in a number of ways when you make mistakes. We played a strong three quarters and were unable to execute down the stretch. We’ll regroup and come back stronger next time out,” said Head Coach and GM Peter Guarasci.
Game Flow:
The Bandits entered Thursday’s nights action riding a three-game win streak. A two-point lay-up by Klassen two and a half minutes into the first quarter gave the Bandits an early edge at 10-4. The early lead grew as large as 15-6 after Clint Robinson (Montego Bay, JM) hit a short jump shot. Niagara responded with a run of its own behind the efforts of Guillaume Payen-Boucard. A three by Payen-Boucard gave the River Lions a 19-17 lead with 3:48 left in the first quarter. After the surge by Niagara, the River Lions held a 26-25 lead entering the second quarter.
Both teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter as each team battled for the chance to extend the lead. A corner three-pointer by Klassen gave Fraser Valley a 38-35 lead, but Niagara responded and trimmed the score to 45-44 heading into half-time.
Yohanny Dalembert was a spark plug for the River Lions in the third quarter. A two-point pull-up by Dalembert at the 6:42 mark gave the River Lions a 55-51 lead. Dalembert would go on to throw down a series of dunks throughout the quarter as part of a well-rounded effort that ensured that Niagara trailed by just one point at 65-64 with one quarter left to play.
With the game very much in the balance heading into the final quarter, Niagara made its run. The River Lions outscored the Bandits 40-29 in what proved by a difficult quarter for the Bandits.
Turnovers down the stretch resulted in baskets in transition for the River Lions, and Nem Mitrovic calmly hit a series of clutch three-pointers in the game’s final moments to help seal an eventual 104-94 win.
Fraser Valley’s next game is against the Hamilton Honey Badgers next Thursday, July 18, at Abbotsford Centre. Tickets can be purchased here.
Key Game Stats:
Points in the paint:
The Bandits bigs showed out once again as Fraser Valley was able to outscore Niagara 46-38 (+8) on points in the paint.
Second-chance points:
Offensive rebounds and turnovers were a backbreaker for the Bandits as the River Lions collected 15 offensive rebounds and totalled 17 second-chance points, compared to just 12 for the Bandits.
Bench production:
Niagara’s bench outplayed Fraser Valley’s second unit, outscoring the Bandits 37-30 (+7).
Bandits Performers of the Game
#3 Marek Klassen – Guard – Abbotsford, BC
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