News release from the Mad Ants:
Mad Ants drop game at home to Canton
(February 5, 2016) – The Mad Ants, sponsored by Lutheran Health Network, fell against the Canton Charge 111-100 Friday, February 5th at Allen Co. War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.
After Canton took an early lead in the first quarter, the Mad Ants fought back to take over control, finally forcing the fight between both teams for an advantage the remainder of the opening quarter, as it came to a close tied at twenty-five apiece. Canton found themselves with a sizable lead in the last five minutes of the first half, eventually sending the Mad Ants into the locker room with a 60-48 halftime deficit. John Lucas III built off the energy of a packed house to lead the Mad Ants offensively with 15 first half points. Walter Lemon Jr. followed Lucas with eight points of his own at the half. The fourth quarter proved to be the Mad Ants fight back from a quiet third quarter; through Lemon and CJ Fair teaming up to step into a scoring role, they were able to cut down Canton’s lead. Lemon ended his night with 19 points and Fair with 14. The Mad Ants were able to force a tie in pursuit of a comeback on the Charge, and would eventually come within single digits of their visitors with just under a minute left to play; however, that run was stopped short as the Mad Ants fell 111-100. Lucas led all scorers with 24 points and 7 rebounds.
For Canton, John Holland led with 21 points, while Jorge Gutierrez followed close with 20 of his own.
The Mad Ants fall to 13-15 on the season, while Canton moves to 16-13.
The Mad Ants will travel to Grand Rapids to play the Drive (13-13) Saturday, February 6th at 7:00 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.