In one of the most electrifying matchups of the season, the Saint John Riptide battled fiercely against the Halifax Hurricanes but ultimately fell just short, losing 103–99 in front of an energized home crowd at Harbour Station on March 2, 2019.
It was a night of incredible effort, high emotions, and unforgettable moments as the Riptide pushed the Hurricanes to the limit in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
First Half: Trading Blows
The game opened with a frantic pace, both teams exchanging buckets and playing tight defense. Frank Bartley quickly set the tone for the Riptide, slashing to the basket for early points and drawing fouls on Halifax’s big men.
Halifax responded with their balanced scoring attack, using quick ball movement to find open looks beyond the arc. After a high-scoring first quarter, the Riptide trailed narrowly, 26–24.
In the second quarter, the Riptide adjusted defensively, with Bryce Washington anchoring the paint and collecting key rebounds. Saint John surged ahead briefly, but the Hurricanes' perimeter shooting kept the visitors within striking distance. At halftime, the teams were deadlocked at 49–49.
Third Quarter: Hurricanes Pull Ahead
Coming out of the locker room, Halifax turned up the pressure. Utilizing aggressive traps and fast breaks, the Hurricanes managed to build a 10-point lead midway through the third quarter.
Key Moments:
- Halifax hit three consecutive three-pointers to swing the momentum.
- The Riptide struggled briefly with turnovers under the Hurricanes’ pressure defense.
- A massive dunk by Maston re-energized the Saint John crowd and halted Halifax’s run.
By the end of the third quarter, the Riptide trailed 78–70 but were far from done.
Fourth Quarter: A Heart-Stopping Comeback
Saint John unleashed a furious rally in the final frame. Bartley, Maston, and Arrington combined for a series of key buckets, bringing the Riptide within two points with just over a minute remaining.
The crowd erupted as Bartley nailed a deep three to tie the game at 99–99 with 45 seconds to go. Unfortunately, Halifax answered with a tough contested jumper, and after a missed shot by Saint John, free throws sealed the win for the Hurricanes.
"We played our hearts out," said Head Coach Nelson Terroba. "It was a playoff atmosphere, and I couldn't be prouder of the fight our guys showed."
Standout Performances
- Frank Bartley: 28 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
- T.J. Maston: 21 points, 8 rebounds
- Brent Arrington: 14 points, 6 assists
- Bryce Washington: 12 points, 10 rebounds (double-double)
- Jon Harris: 7 points off the bench
Lessons From a Narrow Loss
Despite the loss, the game provided valuable takeaways for the Riptide:
- Clutch Play: The team showed poise and execution down the stretch, something crucial for playoff success.
- Bench Depth: Contributions from players like Jon Harris and Darnell Landon provided vital minutes and energy.
- Resilience: Overcoming a double-digit deficit demonstrated the team’s never-say-die attitude.
Post-Game Reactions
"We believe we can beat anyone," said Maston. "Tonight we learned a lot about ourselves."
"It hurts, but it’s also motivation," added Bartley. "We know we’re close. We just have to keep pushing."
What’s Next for the Riptide?
The Riptide will look to bounce back immediately, with several pivotal games on the horizon as the National Basketball League of Canada playoff race intensifies.
Upcoming Games:
- March 3 vs Island Storm
- March 7 at KW Titans
- March 10 at Cape Breton Highlanders
Though the scoreboard favored Halifax, the Riptide earned something more valuable: belief. Belief in themselves, in each other, and in the potential for a deep playoff run. With heart, hustle, and an unwavering fan base behind them, Saint John’s story this season is far from over.
Keep believing. Go Riptide!
