The Motor City Cruise had a chance for some home cooking early on New Year’s Eve. Donning their home blue and red, the Cruise would be looking to take advantage in playing their first game back in the confines of Wayne State Fieldhouse since December 14.
Motor City, How We Missed You
Sometimes when you get a chance to get back home, it can get a team off and running. The Cruise would absolutely do that early on in this one. After much back and forth through the first quarter, Motor City would end the quarter in a big way. Putting together a 7-0 run late, they would grab a lead of 21-14. Holding onto that lead, it would be the Cruise after the first twelve minutes, leading 27-21. Devontae Cacok got off to one heck of a start, per usual. The masked big man, still sporting the face gear from a broken nose just a few short weeks ago, poured in 12 points to lead the Cruise early.
This would be a game that would stay tight, however. Finally, late in the second quarter, the Cruise would put together a nice run over a span of five minutes to go on an 18-12 run. They would hold a solid advantage of 62-49 after one half of play. Aaron Wheelers helped keep the Bulls in it with 7 points in the quarter. Jaylen Johnson, the big man off the bench for Motor City, helped Motor City cruise into the half with 7 points of his own in the quarter.
Find a Way to Finish
No one said it would be easy. Windy City came out in a flourish to begin the third quarter putting together a 9-0 run to cut the lead to single digits. But Motor City would stand tall to grab a 10-4 run and get the lead back to double digits. After three quarters of play it would Motor City holding the lead heading into the final quarter, 97-83. The Bulls would keep hanging around led by the trio of Javon Freeman-Liberty, Carlik Jones and Ethan Thompson who combined for 25 points in the third. Devontae Cacok, have yourself a night. Cacok would put together a monster quarter to lead the Cruise with 16 points to keep the momentum.
We would stay in a close battle midway through the fourth until Motor City put together a 7-2 run to keep a nice lead of 112-99. The Cruise would not be denied as they would contain the Bulls the rest of the way to grab the win, 122-108. Jones was big for Windy City in trying to lead them back by scoring 16 points in the final twelve, but it just wouldn’t be enough. Stanley Umude was big late with 8 points, and Cacok continued a dominant night with 8 points of his own.
The Numbers
Carlik Jones was huge for his team, shooting lights out on the night with 31 points. Ethan Thompson pitched in with 17 points. Daniel Otoru helped with 11 points and 7 rebounds on the night.
Javon Freeman-Liberty was a big part of the Bulls sticking in the game, tallying 11 points and adding 2 steals in the game. Nick King was the lead man off the bench for Windy City with 10 points and 4 rebounds.
Ben Coupet Jr finished with 9 points and 2 steals. Aaron Wheeler added 7 points while Lazeric Jones added 6. Former Michigan Wolverine struggled a bit from the field but still finished with 6 points and 5 rebounds.
The man of the hour, by no surprise, was Devontae Cacok. Cacok has been dominant all year, but that was on display even more tonight as he pitched in 44 points (career-high) and 17 rebounds. He was helped by Stanley Umude, who put together a great game with 18 points, 3 of 7 from deep, and 3 blocked shots on the night.
Jared Rhoden put together his best game with the Cruise by putting in 16 points and 10 rebounds. Keifer Sykes was vital tonight with 13 points and dished out 6 assists in the ball game. ShawnDre Jones was great off the bench with 10 points and 3 assists.
Jaylen Johnson helped in a big way with 9 points, including 7 points in the second quarter. Ryan Turell and David Nwaba both pitched in 6 points apiece.
Next up
Windy City will move to 0-2 in regular season play. They will take on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants when they travel to Allen County War Coliseum on Wednesday for a 7:00 tip. The Mad Ants come into that game with a 1-1 record
The Cruise grab a much needed victory to improve to 1-2 in regular-season play. They’ll have a chance to pick up another when they head back on the road to take on the Maine Celtics on Thursday. The Celtics sit at 3-0 and are coming off a high-scoring win over Rio Grande. Motor City and Maine will tip at 7:00 at Portland Expo Building.
