News release from the Mad Ants:
Mad Ants Continue Strong Play at Home
(November 21, 2015) – The Mad Ants, sponsored by Lutheran Health Network, put on a strong offensive performance, taking down the Delaware 87ers 127-102 Saturday, November 21st at Allen Co. War Memorial Coliseum, improving their record on the season to a perfect 3-0.
The Mad Ants jumped out to a quick nine point advantage early in the first quarter, but the 87ers bounced back to swipe a tight one point lead by the end of the first. Once the Ants regained their lead at the eleven minute mark in the second quarter, they would go on to hold that lead the remaining duration of the game. A strong first half performance by Indiana Pacer assignee Rakeem Christmas led the way for the Mad Ants with 19 points as the teams headed into their locker rooms at the half.
By the second half of play, the Mad Ants hit their offensive stride, pushing the 87ers back by margins of up to 26, led by Christmas who finished his night as the game’s leading scorer with 27 points. CJ Fair followed Christmas with a double-double good for 20 points and 10 rebounds. Xavier Thames rounded out the night with 15 points and 6 each of rebounds and assists.
For the 87ers, Jordan McRae led with 25 points, while Sean Kilpatrick followed with 19 of his own.
The Mad Ants hit the road tomorrow, Sunday, November 22nd as they play their first road game of the 2015-16 season against the Iowa Energy at 5:00 p.m. The team will return home for their first Friday game of the season as they host the Bakersfield Jam November 27th at 7:30 p.m. Fans can purchase Mad Ants tickets anytime, which start at just $6, at the Memorial Coliseum Box Office, by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
About the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and the NBA Development League
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants, presented by Lutheran Health Network, are the NBA Development affiliate of the NBA Indiana Pacers. Established in 2007, the Mad Ants have marked their success in back-to-back Championship appearances, coming out on top in 2014 and returning to the Championship series in 2015. The 2014-2015 season also named the Mad Ants as the NBA Development League Development Champions, which recognizes the team that best embodies the NBA D-League’s goals of developing NBA-caliber basketball talent through call-ups and assignments. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 19 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2015-16 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2014-15 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on fortwayne.gleague.nba.com.
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