MBB Weekend Recap | January 25 & 26, 2019
The Lakeland Rustlers men's basketball team was on the road over the weekend, as they traveled to Grande Prairie to take on the Wolves.
Friday night, the Rustlers fell behind early, with the Wolves jumping out to a 17-8 lead. The Rustlers made a push at the end of the first quarter but still trailed 19-11 after ten minutes. In the second quarter, the Rustlers were able to knock down some shots and play the Wolves even. Both teams scored 24 points in the quarter, and the Wolves held onto the 8-point lead at the half. The Rustlers took advantage of turnovers by the Wolves to start the second half and cut the lead to four. Grande Prairie responded to the Rustlers push to start the quarter, as the Wolves regained and extended their lead to 69-56 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter, the Rustlers were able to cut the lead to 8, but the Wolves would go on a run, on the way to a 93-75 win.
The Rustlers were led by second-year guard Rashon Russell with 16 points, 8 rebound, 4 assists, and 3 steals, earning him player of the game. Third-year guard Adrian Richards had 17 points, 4 rebounds and two assists, while fourth-year forward Artavis Holiday added 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks for the Rustlers.
The game was a battle from the opening tip Saturday night, with both teams exhibiting physical play early. The Rustlers took the lead early in the first quarter, but the teams went back and forth before the Wolves would take the 22-20 lead after ten minutes of play. In the second quarter, the teams continued to go back and forth, with the Rustlers taking a two-point lead at the half. The Rustlers had a strong third quarter, putting up 22 points while holding the Wolves to 15. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Rustlers led the Wolves 67-58. Grande Prairie went on a run to start the fourth quarter, but the Rustlers responded with a run of their own. The game went right down to the wire, with the Rustlers coming away with the 88-84 win.
Russell led the way for the Rustlers once again with 17 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds, while Richards finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Player of the game for the Rustlers was Abraham Murray, who finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and two steals.
The Rustlers return to the court next weekend when they take on The Kings University Eagles. The Rustlers will be on the road in Edmonton Friday night before returning home for the rematch against the Eagles Saturday night at 8 pm.