Rattlers storm back in Target Score, but come up short against Stingers

It may have been the loudest crowd of the season for the Saskatchewan Rattlers, and rightfully so. Back and forth lead changes eventually turned into a steady Edmonton lead late in the third and into the fourth, but Saskatchewan would come all the way back in Target Score to make it a game before Edmonton finally sealed the deal 91-85.

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It was a slow start for each side, failing to score on their first attempts before Jaden Bediako scored the first two points of the game for Saskatchewan, quickly responded by Edmonton’s Nick Hornsby to tie the game early. From that point, the Rattlers went on a run that included a three pointer from Emmanuel Bandoumel and Cody John draining an uncontested layup after a big defensive block by Bediako. Teddy Allen went perfect on the free throw line as Saskatchewan jumped out to an early 13-4 lead, which wouldn’t keep up for long. Bandoumel drained his second three pointer of the night before Jacob Evans scored four straight points and helped set up the tying basket at 16 points apiece. Saskatchewan would grab the lead and hang on for the end of the quarter thanks to Jaden Bediako going perfect at the free throw line and getting an extra layup. He would also set up Teddy Allen for another two points that would give Saskatchewan a slim 24-22 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Both teams traded baskets to start the second, with Edmonton scoring the first two points of the second quarter, which was quickly answered by a Cody John three. James Montgomery and Nick Hornsby traded three pointers to cut the Rattlers lead to one point. Emmanuel Bandoumel continued his hot start to the game by intercepting a Stinger ball before running down court for a slam dunk to bring the crowd onto its feet, and increase the Rattlers lead 38-36. Bediako fought through traffic to give the Rattlers a 40-38 lead late in the second before a late three pointer gave Edmonton a three-point lead. Tyrell Green went a perfect 2-for-2 on the free throw line for the final baskets of the second quarter, with Edmonton now holding the slim lead 43-42 going into the second half. Teddy Allen led the way with 10 points for Saskatchewan, while Nick Hornsby had 12 for Edmonton.

Edmonton started out the third quarter hot and showed no signs of slowing down, draining back-to-back three pointers from Nick Hornsby and Trey McGowens. Brody Clarke was near unstoppable for Edmonton in the third, scoring 12 points in the third quarter alone to put Edmonton up 69-54. Saskatchewan had their chances throughout the third, but ultimately came short on different occasions. Jermiah Mordi would provide a spark late in the third, finally draining a three pointer to bring the crowd back into the game that would lead to Emmanuel Bandoumel getting one free point shot away and Mordi getting a crucial layup to close out the third and bring Saskatchewan within seven points, still down 69-62.

The fourth quarter may have been the loudest SaskTel Centre has been all season long, with Edmonton padding their lead again but the Rattlers not giving up at any point. Elijah Miller drained an early three for Edmonton before Trey McGowens slammed home a crucial two points for a 74-64 Stingers lead. Teddy Allen got three cracks at the free throw line, draining two before Jaden Bediako landed back-to-back layups pulling Saskatchewan within eight. Jacob Evans another three for Edmonton, and Cody John went perfect at the free throw line entering Target Score, set at 90 points.

Teddy Allen started the scoring in Target Score with a steal in the defensive end that led to the first two points with Cody John getting the crowd into it with a three pointer. Brody Clarke waved his magic again with two more layups to give Edmonton an 85-77 lead. After a few missed chances and key defensive plays from Saskatchewan, Teddy Allen went perfect on the free throw line and Cody John drained back-to-back three pointers as the crowd erupted, with the game tied at 85. Unfortunately a controversial call shortly after resulted in back-to-back baskets for Edmonton to lead 89-85, before Brady Clarke put a dagger into the Rattlers with the game-winning layup to give Edmonton the win 91-87.

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Media Scrum with Head Coach Larry Abney:

Media Scrum with Emmanuel Bandoumel:

GAME STATS – TEAM (Courtesy of C-E-B-L)
Field Goal: SSK 30/73 (41%) EDM 39/80 (48%)
2-Points Made: SSK 22/46 (47%) EDM 32/61 (52%)
3-Points Made: SSK 8/27 (29%) EDM 7/19 (36%)
Free Throws: SSK 19/23 (82%) EDM 6/8 (75%)
Total Rebounds: SSK 44 EDM 43
Assists: SSK 18 EDM 31
Steals: SSK 10 EDM 7
Blocks: SSK 5 EDM 3
Turnovers: SSK 13 EDM 16
Personal Fouls: SSK 16 (18) EDM 18 (16)
Points in the Paint: SSK 42 EDM 60
Second Chance Points: SSK 8 EDM 8
Points from Turnovers: SSK 17 EDM 11

GAME STATS (Player)
Teddy Allen (24 Points, 8 Assists, 4 Steals)
Cody John (20 Points, 2 Assists)
Jaden Bediako (15 Points, 11 Rebounds, 3 Blocks)
Jermiah Mordi (6 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal)
James Montgomery (5 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal)
Emmanuel Bandoumel (3 Assists, 1 Block, 2 Steals)

NEXT GAME: @ Winnipeg Sea Bears 2 (7-8) on Saturday, July 20th @ 6:30 p.m.