Duke Mondy of the Highlanders attempts a shot against Malcolm Miller of the Saint John Riptide

The Cape Breton Highlanders professional basketball team were looking for their second win this weekend when they hosted the Saint John Riptide on Saturday night at Centre 200.

Strong defensive play from the Riptide prevented the Highlanders from finding many points early in the game. Saint John was able to score several 3-pointers to take a lead of 25 - 13 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter brought more of the same for the Highlanders, as they were forced to attempt to draw fouls and look for points under the basket as the Riptide continued their strong defensive play. Clean passing from the Riptide enabled them to connect on more 3-pointers to extend their lead at the half to 51 - 31.

The Highlanders came out strong in the third by attacking the basket, but the Riptide continued to shoot successfully from beyond the arc, leading 77 - 55 going into the final quarter.

The deficit was a large one to overcome, but the Highlanders had faced adversity before and refused to give up. Joey Miller ignited the home crowd with some clutch 3-pointers of his own, but it was too little, too late as the Riptide took the final 99 - 90.

The Riptide were led by Gabe Freeman who scored 22 points, found 11 rebounds and passed for 3 assists. Malcolm Miller contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Mareik Isom and Jeremiah Mordi scored 14 each. Isom found 6 rebounds and Mordi had 3 rebounds and 3 assists, while going 7 for 7 from the free-throw line.

The Highlanders leading scorer was Joey Miller with 18 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Newcomer Rick Bodiford had 17 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Shane Osayande scored 16 points, finding 7 rebounds and passing for 2 assists, while Kevin Loiselle had 14 points with 2 assists and a team-best 8 rebounds.

The next Highlanders home game is next Saturday, January 20 against the Moncton Magic at Centre 200. That game starts at 7PM.

Learn more about tickets at highlandersbasketball.ca/tickets

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