It was a night filled with heart, hustle, and hope, but in the end, the Saint John Riptide's furious late comeback came up just short. On March 2, 2019, inside Harbour Station, the Riptide dropped a narrow 99–94 decision to the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans in a dramatic National Basketball League of Canada clash.
Facing a double-digit deficit late in the game, Saint John roared back behind strong performances from T.J. Maston, Frank Bartley, and Brent Arrington. Despite the defeat, the effort exemplified the Riptide’s fighting spirit and left fans optimistic about the team's playoff aspirations.
Early Struggles Set the Stage
From the opening tip, the Titans showcased their sharp shooting and aggressive defense, building an early advantage. The Riptide struggled to find rhythm offensively, committing costly turnovers that allowed KW to capitalize. By halftime, Saint John found themselves trailing by nine points, needing a major adjustment.
Coach Nelson Terroba emphasized at halftime the need for better ball security and more physicality in the paint. His team responded, but the Titans’ balanced attack kept the Riptide chasing.
Third Quarter Troubles
The third quarter saw the Titans extend their lead to 12 points, as their perimeter shooters found their range. While the Riptide battled valiantly, key defensive lapses allowed KW to maintain control. Maston and Bartley combined for crucial baskets, but Saint John needed a spark to ignite a full comeback.
Fourth Quarter Fire: The Riptide’s Rally
With five minutes remaining, the Riptide turned up the intensity. Maston attacked the rim relentlessly, Bartley hit a clutch three-pointer, and Arrington facilitated quick ball movement leading to easy scores.
Key Highlights During the Comeback:
- Back-to-back three-pointers by Bartley and Binney cut the deficit to four points.
- A monster block by Washington that energized the crowd.
- Fast-break layup by Arrington, bringing Saint John within two points.
Final Moments: A Game of Inches
With under a minute left, the Titans clung to a three-point lead. A defensive stop by the Riptide gave them a chance to tie, but a potential game-tying three-point shot by Bartley rimmed out. Forced to foul, Saint John watched KW Titans knock down critical free throws to seal the game.
"We fought hard," said Coach Terroba. "I’m proud of our guys for not quitting, but against a team like the Titans, you can't spot them a big lead and expect to recover easily."
Standout Performers
- T.J. Maston: 24 points, 10 rebounds
- Frank Bartley: 19 points, 5 assists
- Brent Arrington: 15 points, 7 assists
- Bryce Washington: 8 points, 14 rebounds
Analysis: What Went Wrong?
Although the Riptide fought valiantly, several factors contributed to the loss:
- Turnovers: 18 total turnovers led to 20 points for the Titans.
- Slow start: Playing from behind put pressure on the offense to force shots.
- Missed free throws: Saint John missed critical free throws late in the game.
The Bigger Picture: Hope for the Future
Despite the defeat, the game highlighted the Riptide’s never-say-die attitude and resilience. Key players stepped up, young talents showed growth, and the team's chemistry seemed stronger than ever. With the playoff race heating up, Saint John’s fighting spirit could be their greatest asset.
Post-Game Quotes
"Every possession matters," said T.J. Maston. "We know what we have to fix, and we'll be ready for the next challenge."
"We have the heart of a playoff team," said Frank Bartley. "We just need to tighten up the little things."
Next Up: A Must-Win Stretch
The Riptide’s next games will determine their playoff fate. The team looks to bounce back quickly against the Island Storm, Cape Breton Highlanders, and Niagara River Lions. With the energy displayed against the Titans, the Riptide are still very much alive in the postseason hunt.
Upcoming Schedule:
- March 3 vs Island Storm (Home)
- March 7 at KW Titans (Away)
- March 10 at Cape Breton Highlanders (Away)
Sometimes, it’s not about the scoreboard but about the spirit. Against the Titans, the Saint John Riptide showed the heart of champions. With continued focus and minor adjustments, the Riptide can translate performances like this into wins and secure a coveted playoff berth.
We Believe in the Tide! Go Riptide!
