Motor City were in the midst of a back-to-back with the Ontario Clippers. Coming in, going through some rough times, the Cruise were looking to get off to a solid start in round two.
A Brand New Game
It looked like Motor City put the previous night behind them; the Cruise got off to a real solid start in this one by getting to the rim and getting some easy looks against the Clippers defense. The Cruise found themselves up 11-6 early and with some confidence. Ontario settled in, however, putting together a hot run of their own by going on a 9-0 run. Motor City put some offense together much of the opening quarter, but they trailed heading into the second, 25-31. Jared Rhoden led the Cruise in the quarter with 9 points. Jason Preston (12 points) and Xavier Moon (10 points) led the Clippers to a high-scoring quarter.
What a welcome sign for Motor City in the second. They got off to an 8-2 run to keep their offense hot. Later in the stanza, they put together a 10-5 as the offense was really gelling to that point. Hello halftime, the Cruise put together one heck of a half to lead, 57-52. Keifer Sykes found his rhythm as he would lead the scoring with 14 points in the quarter. Devontae Cacok helped with 8. The Cruise defense really started to slow down Ontario before the half.
Best of the Year
The Clippers wouldn’t let this one get away quite yet, however. They put together an 8-0 run to stay right in the game. But the blue and red buckled down for the most part. Aside from the 8-0 run from the home team, Motor City would yet again limit the Clippers offense. With help from their own offense, the Cruise headed into the final quarter with an 82-76 lead. Sykes continued his hot touch going for another 7 in the third. Brandon Boston Jr. helped keep his team in it by going for 8 in the quarter.
Here would come the visitors in the final quarter; Motor City put together a solid 6-0 run which turned out to be the biggest run of the quarter. With both teams struggling to score in the final twelve, the Cruise put together quite possibly their best defensive quarter on the season. Big shots late helped the Cruise get a breath of fresh air, they went on to take this one 106-103.
The Numbers
Keifer Sykes was a man among men on this night. Sykes put together his best game of the season to lead Motor City going for 27 points (5 three-pointers), and 6 assists. Jaime Echenique, who was especially big late, went for 20 points and 10 rebounds. Jared Rhoden got off to a quick start and finished with 17 points (3 three-pointers) and 8 rebounds.
David Nwaba was vital for the Cruise in this one to pitch in 15 points and 12 rebounds on the night. Devontae Cacok put in a solid effort with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Trayvon Palmer had a nice night in, putting in 8 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. ShawnDre Jones helped the offense out by dishing out 8 assists off the bench.
Jason Preston led Ontario with 21 points and knocked down 3 three-pointers in the game. Keaton Wallace, who had a historic performance the night before, shot the ball well again but instead would be limited to 12 points on the night. Xavier Moon, another who was big the previous night, struggled from the field but would grab 7 rebounds off the bench.
Michael Devoe helped out his team with 8 points. Warith Alatishe was productive on the night with 8 points and 7 rebounds. Emmitt Williams (7 points, 6 rebounds) and Lucas Williamson (6 points) were solid on the night in limited minutes off the Clippers bench.
Next up
With the loss Ontario will move to 6-4 on the season. They’ll get a few days off before they take on the Austin Spurs (January 20).
The Cruise will improve to 2-7 on the season as they look to build some momentum coming over a win against a solid Clippers team. Keifer Sykes will propel this team to another level if he stays hot. David Nwaba continues to be a welcome sign as a do-it-all player. Jamie Echenique could prove to be a huge addition off the bench in getting helping the Cruise not miss a bit when dominant big man Devontae Cacok comes off the floor. They’ll face another solid team in the South Bay Lakers (January 19) in their next outing.
