Rattlers fight to the end, drop close game to Calgary 95-87

The Saskatchewan Rattlers dropped this afternoon’s game against Calgary 95-87 with the Surge coming back after being down by seven in the fourth quarter. Each team traded buckets leads, but it was ultimately Calgary coming out on top to grab a much-needed victory. Full recap below.

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The first half was filled with action at both ends of the court with each team proving no lead is ever safe. Saskatchewan jumped out to an early 13-6 lead that included James Montgomery going a perfect 2-for-2 for free throws and draining an easy layup that was setup beautifully by Emmanuel Bandoumel. Corey Davis Jr. helped Calgary out of the early defect with a three and pulling away for two more points to tie the game. Later in the first, Teddy Allen got on the board with his first three of the afternoons, followed by Davis Jr. draining a three of his own. Teddy Allen would add another three but wouldn’t be enough to tie the game before the end of the quarter with Calgary up 24-23.

Calgary would add to their lead early in the second with Jordy Tshimanga hitting both free throws, which would eventually be their final lead of the first half. Cody John and Teddy Allen would drain three pointers to put the Rattlers ahead 31-25. Both John and Allen would weave some more magic as Allen would find John 2-on-1 for an easy layup getting the crowd on their feet. Emmanuel Bandoumel, who led the Rattlers in scoring with 14 at the half, had consecutive free throw attempts going a perfect 4-for-4 to increase the Snakes lead. Teddy Allen fought his way in for an easy layup to give Saskatchewan a 44-34 lead late in the second, with Calgary starting to come back strong to end the quarter. Stefan Smith would drive in a layup and go 2-for-2 on free throws before Mathieu Kamba found himself all alone to dunk one home and make it a 46-40 game. Cody John would add some insurance with a layup and drawing a foul to go along as the Rattlers entered the second half with a 49-44 lead.

Emmanuel Bandoumel picked up right where he left off at the half, picking up the first points of the third followed by a three pointer from Teddy Allen. Jordy Tshimanga was picking up heat for Calgary in the first half, which continued into the third as he scored five of their first eight points to cut Saskatchewan’s lead to 54-52. Teddy Allen would drain another three to give the Rattlers a 58-55 lead before Calgary would begin to storm back with Stefan Smith going 2-for-2 on free throws and Malcolm Demagus draining back-to-back three pointers to put Calgary ahead 63-60. With Calgary pressing hard the other way, Jermiah Mordi would make his way back for not only a key block, but keeping the rebound in play that would eventually lead to a Cody John layup. Both he and Emmanuel Bandoumel would drain back-to-back three’s to give Saskatchewan a 71-67 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The start of the fourth was a strong showing from the Rattlers, with Teddy Allen and Stefan Smith trading three pointers with Allen also going perfect on the free throw line and adding a layup putting the Rattlers up 78-70. Calgary would once again come back with Corey Davis Jr. draining a three pointer to start off the Surge comeback. Davis Jr. would add in a layup while Mathieu Kamba added a crucial slam dunk for another two points. Kamba would be perfect on the free throw line as well that would put Calgary up 85-79 going into Target Score.

Target Score started off on the right foot for Saskatchewan as Tyrell Green drained the first two points before Stefan Smith took over for Calgary as he scored the next 10 points for the Surge. Emmanuel Bandoumel gave Saskatchewan life with a three of their own, but Smith responded with another three before scoring the game-winning layup to give Calgary the win 95-87.

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