Fraser Valley Bandits defeat Honey Badgers, extend winning streak to three games
HAMILTON, ON, July 6, 2019 –
The Fraser Valley Bandits continued their late season push and won their third game in a row on Saturday night against the Hamilton Honey Badgers. The Bandits were stingy on the defensive end and were able to get out in transition as part of a well-rounded performance that resulted in a 100-82 victory on the road at FirstOntario Centre.
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Joel Friesen (Abbotsford, BC) and Marek Klassen (Abbotsford, BC) were a dynamic duo, as both were instrumental in the big-time win. Friesen came off the bench to score 21 points, including five three-pointers on six attempts (83%). Klassen scored 18 points and handed out 15 assists in a double-double performance.
“We know what we are capable of and I am proud of the guys for fighting through adversity. We are a long way from where we want to be, but this group believes in itself and I am excited to continue to grow as we continue to fight as a cohesive unit each and every night,” said Head Coach and GM Peter Guarasci.
“This Thursday’s matchup against Niagara is pivotal. They can hurt you in a number of ways and we have to prepare accordingly. It’s an important test and I am looking forward to returning to the Fraser Valley and competing in front of our fans.”
Game Flow:
The Bandits entered Saturday afternoon’s game riding a two-game win streak. Jamaican big man Clint Robinson (Montego Bay, JA) helped the Bandits get off to a 15-9 start thanks to a quick eight points in the first five minutes of the game. Hometown product Friesen helped push the lead to 22-9 with a wide-open corner three towards the end of the quarter, but Joe Rocca hit a buzzer beating lay-up to cut the lead to 24-14 in favour of the Bandits heading into the second.
After limiting the Honey Badgers to 14 points in the first quarter, Fraser Valley was determined to continue showing a strong defensive performance in the second frame. In addition to the defensive showcase, Fraser Valley’s offence found its rhythm. A pull-up three-pointer by Klassen pushed the lead to 14 with 6:41 left in the quarter and five minutes later another three by Klassen would extend the lead to as much as 19 points. When the second quarter buzzer sounded, the Bandits were ahead 48-30.
The Bandits showed no signs of slowing down in the third quarter. Despite a three-point strike from Demetrius Denzel-Dyson cutting the lead to 13 points a minute into the third, Fraser Valley would not lose its stride. A follow-up lay-up by Joe Rocca would reduce the lead further to 48-39, but the Bandits responded by maintaining their composure. Two three-pointers by Friesen in the final three minutes of the quarter helped restore a 70-52 lead for the Bandits.
With the game in hand, the Bandits were relentless and did not take their foot of the gas. A three-point marker from Klassen half-way through the fourth brought Hamilton’s deficit to as large as 26 points at 86-60, but the Honey Badgers battled back and Sampson Carter hit a late three-pointer; however, it was all for naught as the Bandits won 100-82.
Fraser Valley returns to Abbotsford to take on the Niagara River Lions this Thursday, July 11. The game will feature pre-game and half-time performances by Me and Mae. Tickets can be purchased here.
Key Game Stats:
• Lock it down:
The Bandits laid the clamps defensively yet again, holding the Honey Badgers to just 28-of-76 (36%) shooting from the field.
• Share the rock on the boards:
Fraser Valley exhibited unselfish play throughout the evening and totalled 32 assists, compared to just 18 for the Honey Badgers (+14).
• Secondary contributions:
Fraser Valley’s bench was a reliable source of energy and outscored Hamilton’s bench 47-30 (+17).
Bandits Performers of the Game
#11 Joel Friesen – Guard – Abbotsford, BC
#3 Marek Klassen – Guard – Abbotsford, BC
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