Streaking Kings top Lions

            Looking to follow up last weeks impressive showing against the Rattlers the Lions faced off against the 6-6 Red Deer Polytechnic Kings at home on Friday night.

            The teams went back and forth to open the game exchanging leads. After scoring a season high 38 points in his last appearance, Isaac Grey picked up right where he left off with 9 first quarter points to pace the Lions. The visitors had a collective attack with seven different players getting on the board in the first with an efficient 50% shooting from the field to end the first quarter up 26-21.

            Three-pointers from Kings' Cole Wicker and Josh Jean expanded the lead to start the second quarter. The Kings led by as much as 13 as the Lions struggled to keep up with their offensive efficiency. The Lions were able to put together a bit of an offensive run over the final 4 minutes of the half, but the Kings grew their lead to 9 after outscoring the Lions 22-18 to carry a 48-39 lead into the break.

            The Lions turned it up to open the third going on an 8-0 run to open the quarter to get within 1. However, Josh Jean would respond for the Kings by knocking down one of his 7 threes on the night. After that, Eduardo Crespo scored 7 straight for the Kings to break the game back open. After some more back and forth, the Lions chipped away at the lead, but still went into the fourth down 58-64.

            The Kings restored a double-digit lead to open the fourth. Undaunted, the Lions put together their own offensive outburst going on a 10-0 run to once again bring the game to a draw with 4 minutes left to play. Not wanting to fall in the footsteps of the Rattlers, Josh Jean knocked down 4 threes over the final three minutes to restore a comfortable lead for the Kings as the Lions ran out of steam.

            #10 for each team earned player of the game honours. Isaac Gray for the Lions led the way with a game high 27 points while Josh Jean for the Kings put up 25 of his own of the bench on a very efficient 9-10 shooting including 7-8 from downtown. The teams will face off again in what is likely to e another close match tomorrow night in Red Deer.