News release from the Mad Ants:
Mad Ants fall at home to Maine
(February 2, 2016) – The Mad Ants, sponsored by Lutheran Health Network, fell against the Maine Red Claws 108-97 Tuesday, February 2nd at Allen Co. War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.
Tonight’s game marked the return of Indiana Pacer assignee Rakeem Christmas, bringing both him and Shayne Whittington back side by side in a Mad Ants game together for the first time since the team’s January 23rd victory on the road against the Maine Red Claws. Tonight’s game, also staring the Maine Red Claws, provided for a dominant first half in favor of the visitors. At the midpoint of the first quarter, the Mad Ants found themselves locked into a 17-17 tie with Maine, but after twenty-four minutes of play, the Mad Ants went into the locker room down 69-49. CJ Fair played a large factor in the Mad Ants first half offense, leading the team with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Coming off a strong performance in last Saturday’s game against Maine, Whittington followed Fair with 8 first half points and 4 rebounds.
Maine jumped ahead early in the second half and eventually gained the 91-70 advantage at the end of the third quarter. Fair led all scorers through three with 18 points. The Mad Ants pulled within ten of their visitors at the midway point of the fourth quarter, but were unable to gain the lead by the end of regulations, falling 108-97 in the end. For the Red Claws, Coty Clarke finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Corey Walden followed with 20 points of his own.
The Mad Ants fall to 13-14 on the season, while Maine moves to 15-13.
The Mad Ants will remain at home to host the Canton Charge on Friday, February 5th at the Allen Co. Memorial Coliseum with tipoff 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.
Related Images:
