The Halifax Rainmen used a late surge to make sure they didn’t dig themselves into a big early-season hole.
The Rainmen went on a 16-6 run with about six minutes to go to break open a close game and post a 90-80 victory over the Quebec Kebs at the University of Laval on Thursday night, evening their Premier Basketball League record at 1-1.
A stellar defensive effort, meanwhile, helped Halifax set a franchise-low for points allowed in a PBL game.
“Defensively, we played hard,” said Rainmen head coach Les Berry. “Coming down the stretch, we got some big stops.”
Tony Bennett and Desmond Ferguson led the Rainmen with 14 points apiece, while Gordon Malone added 13. Gregory Plummer and Gary Ervin each chipped in with 10 points.
Eric Crookshank had just six points but turned in a monster 20-rebound effort and earned a rave review from Berry.
“This is the best basketball I’ve seen the kid play,” Berry said. “Really solid defence and he’s really getting after it on the glass.”
