Game Recap:  Highlanders 89 vs Halifax Hurricanes 87  

Game Date:  Thursday, April 4th, 2019

Game Number: 1 of Round 1 of NBLC Playoffs 2019

Location: Scotiabank Centre

Team Records: Cape Breton, 1-0

                   Halifax, 0-1

Game Video: NBLCLive.ca

Game Highlights

The Highlanders were playing their first playoff game in franchise history in a best 3 out of 5 series with only 8 players on the bench. The Highlanders were without Chris Johnson (torn Achilles) and Aaron Redpath (pulled muscle) for Thursday’s game. Bruce Massey and J.R. Strowbridge are expected to be back in the Highlanders lineup for Game 2 on Sunday.

Quarter 1: Highlanders 27, Hurricanes 29

The Hurricanes opened the scoring, played well on defense, and exchanged the lead with the Hurricanes early. The game became more offensive for both teams as they were both shooting well and playing aggressive basketball. The lead would continued to be exchanged throughout the quarter in an exciting start to the series. The Hurricanes managed to find points from Highlanders turnovers but Jamal Reynolds of the Highlanders scored in the final seconds of the 1st quarter to bring the Hurricanes lead back within 2.

Quarter 2: Highlanders 49, Hurricanes 49

The Hurricanes came out strong in the 2nd quarter with quick passing and forcing turnovers to go on a 6-point run. The Highlanders had trouble containing the home team as Terry Thomas of the Hurricanes took over, helping his team to take a 13-point lead halfway through the quarter. The Highlanders fought through, as they have all season, and brought the score to within 4 points with three minutes remaining in the half. The Highlanders stayed hot and eventually tied the game again to end the half.  

Quarter 3: Highlanders 65, Hurricanes 66

The Highlanders started the 2nd half with good defense again, an area of their game they improved on as the season progressed. The 3rd quarter was slower paced than the first half as both teams ran half-court sets. The Battle of Nova Scotia was a good one, as neither team could separate themselves and points were not easy to come by. The Hurricanes continued to play aggressively but the Highlanders defense answered to keep it close. The Hurricanes were able to hold on to a 1-point lead heading into the final frame.

Quarter 4: Highlanders 89, Hurricanes 87

The Highlanders took their largest lead of the game early in the 4th quarter as Devin Sweetney scored three 3-point shots in a row to take some life out of the crowd at the Scotiabank Centre. The pace quickened in a back-and-forth contest as both teams were back to playing aggressive basketball like they had in the first half. It was an exciting finish as the Hurricanes took the lead with 4 minutes remaining in the game, but the Highlanders answered and took it back again with 2 minutes on the clock. Devin Sweetney hit another 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining and the Highlanders were able to steal the victory and home advantage with a victory in Halifax.

Stat Leaders

View detailed box score

Next Game - Playoff Game 2: Sunday, April 7th vs Hurricanes in Halifax at 2PM.

Next Home Game - Playoff Game 3: Monday, April 8th vs Halifax Hurricanes at 7PM.