The Ottawa Blackjacks fail to capitalize on a strong first quarter and fall to the Edmonton Stingers in their home opener to a score of 92-84.
The Blackjacks looked to bounce back after a disappointing 99-82 loss to the Brampton Honey Badgers when they hosted the Edmonton Stingers for their Home Opener on Wednesday night and brought the energy in the 1st quarter.
Isaih Moore got the home crown into it right off the bat the first points of the night with an designed ally-oop dunk.
“Coach thought that would be a good play call to start the game and the team hyped, get the fans hyped and into it” said Moore, who finished with a team high 22 points including 8 in the first quarter.
The Blackjacks carried the the pace of play throughout the first, taking a 8 point lead at the end of the quarter.
Defense wins championships right? well, Ottawa will need to fix their issues quickly as it has been the deciding factor during the first two games, the Stingers out scored the Blackjacks 29-22 including 9/12 inside the arc during the second quarter and didn’t look back as they determined the pace of play the rest of the game.
“but similar issues defensively” Said Head Coach James Derouin.
Defense can be correct and the players and coaches believe it can be corrected.
“”we’ve had a lot of miscommunications but at the end of the day, it happens, it’s a new group and we’re going to regroup and be ready for the next game” said Pandi.
Along with Isaih Moore, Lloyd Pandi was a bright spots for the team, Pandi was all over the stat sheet with19 points, shooting 7/10, 5 rebounds. he also provided 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Struggling offensive possessions was highlighted when the Blackjacks went to their bench, they couldn’t carry the offence and was severely outplayed by the Stingers. The bench shot a collective 7/15 and was out scored 42-13. Edmonton bench was led by 5th year Stinger Forward Brody Clarke, he had 16 points and shot 50% from the floor and going 2/2 from the free throw line.
Even though this should be chalked up as a blown opportunity, a majority of the roster hasn’t spent a lot of time together and with three games over the next week and half, there will be plenty of practice time.
Ottawa may not see reinforcements for Saturdays game when they visit the Winnipeg Sea Bears but could see Guard Javon Masters, Forwards Jakeenan Grant and Deng Adel arrive some time next week.
Ottawa Blackjacks next game: AT Winnipeg Sea Bears (1-1) at 8:30ET. You can watch all the action free on CEBL+