After a narrow and hard-fought defeat against the Halifax Hurricanes, Saint John Riptide head coach Nelson Terroba addressed the media to break down the game, assess his team's performance, and provide insight into the adjustments being made as the playoffs approach.
In a season-defining matchup, the Riptide showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short, losing 103–99 in front of a roaring Harbour Station crowd. Despite the loss, the Riptide's spirit, effort, and potential were evident throughout the game.
Post-Game Reflections
"I'm proud of how we battled," Terroba began. "Halifax is a championship-caliber team, and tonight we showed we can compete with anyone when we execute at a high level."
The coach praised the players’ defensive energy, their ability to execute the game plan, and the contributions from both starters and bench players.
Areas of Focus Moving Forward
Terroba emphasized several key areas that need improvement as the team continues its push toward the playoffs:
- Ball Security: Reducing turnovers in critical moments remains a top priority.
- Free Throws: Improving efficiency at the line could swing close games in the Riptide's favor.
- Defensive Rotations: Closing out on shooters and limiting second-chance points are critical adjustments.
- Composure: Staying poised during opponents' runs is vital for sustained success.
Coach’s Key Quotes
"Championship habits aren’t built overnight. We’re laying the foundation brick by brick, game by game."
"Our effort was there, but execution in critical moments will be the difference between winning and learning."
Standout Performances
Terroba took time to highlight several players who made a significant impact during the game:
- Frank Bartley: Led the team with 28 points and showcased elite shot-making under pressure.
- T.J. Maston: Dominated the interior with 21 points and critical rebounds.
- Brent Arrington: Played stellar perimeter defense and added 14 points and 6 assists.
- Bryce Washington: Contributed a double-double, anchoring the defense and cleaning the glass.
Adjustments and Strategy Tweaks
The coach outlined several tactical adjustments that the team would focus on:
- Transition Defense: Improving communication to prevent easy fast-break points.
- Half-Court Sets: Sharpening execution on pick-and-rolls and off-ball movement.
- Rebounding: Attacking the boards aggressively to control possession battles.
- Tempo Control: Learning when to push and when to slow the pace to manage game flow better.
The Road Ahead
With several critical games looming, Terroba stressed the importance of building momentum. The Riptide are eyeing a strong finish to the regular season to secure a favorable playoff position.
Upcoming Games:
- March 7 – at KW Titans
- March 10 – vs Cape Breton Highlanders
- March 15 – vs Moncton Magic
Fan Support Makes a Difference
The coach expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Saint John fans for creating an electric atmosphere:
"Our fans were phenomenal tonight. Harbour Station was rocking, and the energy they bring inspires our guys to give everything they have."
Despite the tough loss, Terroba’s post-game discussion radiated optimism and confidence. The Riptide are growing, learning, and preparing for the battles ahead. If the effort, heart, and resilience displayed against Halifax are any indication, Saint John fans have every reason to believe this team can make serious noise in the postseason.
The journey continues. Believe in the Riptide!
