It was a night to remember at Harbour Station as the Saint John Riptide delivered not only a decisive victory over the Moncton Magic but also a heartwarming show of community spirit. With a packed arena of over 5,000 fans, basketball and charity combined to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mayor Don Darling kept his word, allowing his head to be shaved at center court after the Saint John faithful met his challenge to fill the stands. The energy carried over to the court, where the Riptide showcased one of their most complete performances of the season, cruising to a 96–76 win.
First Half: Setting the Tone Early
From the opening tip-off, it was clear the Riptide were locked in. Their defense smothered the Magic, forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. Offensively, Saint John shared the ball beautifully, resulting in easy buckets and open looks.
By the end of the first quarter, the Riptide led 18–12. The second quarter saw a continuation of their dominance, with key plays from Frank Bartley, T.J. Maston, and Darnell Landon. By halftime, Saint John held a comfortable 46–38 advantage, and the best was yet to come.
Halftime Festivities: A Mayor’s Pledge Fulfilled
During halftime, Mayor Don Darling took center stage. As promised, he had his head shaved in front of the roaring crowd, honoring a commitment he made to fans if attendance reached 5,000. The event further energized the crowd and symbolized the unity between the team and the community.
"This city shows up for its teams," said Mayor Darling. "Tonight, we showed what Saint John spirit is all about."
Second Half: Total Domination
Riding the momentum of the halftime festivities, the Riptide exploded in the third quarter, outscoring Moncton 32–15. Their defense tightened even further, and the offense clicked with precision passing, three-pointers, and acrobatic finishes at the rim.
Key Moments of the Third Quarter:
- Frank Bartley nailed two consecutive three-pointers to open the quarter.
- T.J. Maston’s powerful dunk over two defenders ignited the crowd.
- Brent Arrington orchestrated the offense, dishing out several dazzling assists.
By the end of the third quarter, the Riptide had built an insurmountable 78–53 lead, allowing them to cruise through the fourth quarter and secure the victory.
Stat Leaders
- T.J. Maston: 20 points, 7 rebounds
- Frank Bartley: 19 points, 4 assists
- Darnell Landon: 12 points, key spark off the bench
- Brent Arrington: 8 points, 10 assists
- Bryce Washington: 9 rebounds, 2 steals
Coaches and Players React
Head Coach Nelson Terroba praised his team's performance, highlighting the defensive intensity and ball-sharing that led to the victory.
"This was Riptide basketball tonight," said Coach Terroba. "Tough, unselfish, and resilient. I'm proud of every guy in that locker room."
Darnell Landon, who provided a significant boost off the bench, reflected on the chemistry the team is developing.
"We're starting to trust each other more," Landon said. "That trust is translating into wins."
What This Win Means
The victory improved the Riptide’s record to 15–19, keeping their playoff hopes alive. With momentum on their side, Saint John looks poised to make a late-season surge.
Strengths Displayed:
- Strong ball movement and team chemistry
- Stifling defense creating turnovers
- Effective transition offense
- Bench contributions
Fan Support at an All-Time High
Beyond the win, the night served as a celebration of community pride. With over 5,000 fans in attendance, the Riptide felt the energy and responded with one of their best games of the season.
"When this building is rocking," said Bartley, "we feel invincible. Tonight was special."
Looking Ahead
The Riptide now set their sights on their upcoming matchups, knowing that each game carries significant playoff implications. With continued fan support and focused execution, the sky is the limit for this determined squad.
Upcoming Games:
- March 3 vs Island Storm
- March 7 at KW Titans
- March 10 at Cape Breton Highlanders
The Riptide’s hair-raising win over Moncton was more than just a basketball victory; it was a testament to community, resilience, and the spirit of Saint John. From Mayor Don Darling's memorable halftime moment to the team's dominant performance, March 1, 2019, will be a night long remembered in Riptide history.
Go Riptide! Believe in the Tide!
