News release from the Mad Ants:
Mad Ants fall in return home
(January 28, 2016) – The Mad Ants, sponsored by Lutheran Health Network, fell to the Canton Charge 106-101 Thursday, January 28th at Allen Co. War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.
After their lengthy road tip that included the 2016 NBA D-League Showcase in Santa Cruz, California and trips to Maine, Erie and Sioux Falls, the Mad Ants returned home and opened with a dominating first half against the Charge. Midway through the first, the team took a commanding lead over their visitors, this as a product of an 11 point first quarter performance from John Lucas III, who was starting in his home debut. The Mad Ants extended their lead the remainder of the half, and put the explanation point on twenty-four minutes of play with a Rakeem Christmas lay-up at the buzzer, giving the Mad Ants the 58-54 advantage.
The third quarter turned into a tight match-up with Canton taking a late, double figured lead, but Lucas would come through strong, bringing the Ants within one heading into the final quarter of regulation. Despite a close finish at the end, Fort Wayne’s comeback fell short as time expired, dropping the contest 106-101 in the end. Lucas would lead all scorers with 26 points. Walter Lemon Jr. followed his teammate with 19 points of his own and CJ Fair ended with a double-double good for 18 points and 16 rebounds.
For the Charge, Michael Dunigan finished with a double-double, good for 20 points and 12 rebounds. John Holland followed with 18 points of his own.
The Mad Ants fall to 12-13 on the season, while the Charge move to 13-13.
The Mad Ants remain at home to host the Maine Red Claws on Saturday, January 30th with tip set for 7:30 p.m. ET Fans can purchase their 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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