On March 17, 2019, the Saint John Riptide delivered a spirited performance, defeating the St. John's Edge 96–87 during the National Basketball League of Canada’s St. Patrick’s Day action. In a clash between two of the most Irish cities in Canada, the Riptide stood tall, showcasing grit, teamwork, and precision on a night filled with celebration and high energy.
Playing inside the Mile One Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the Riptide overcame a determined Edge squad by maintaining defensive intensity, winning the rebounding battle, and controlling the pace. With this vital road win, Saint John not only strengthened their playoff positioning but also demonstrated the kind of resilience that fans had come to expect from the team.
Building Momentum: Riptide’s Steady Rise
Coming into the matchup, the Riptide had been riding a wave of improved performances, thanks to contributions across their roster. Coach Nelson Terroba emphasized defense and ball movement, and his players executed the game plan perfectly against the Edge. Saint John had recently secured a must-win against the Halifax Hurricanes and sought to keep that momentum rolling.
Game Highlights: Key Moments and Performers
From the opening tip-off, the Riptide set the tone with aggressive defense and patient offense. Bryce Washington once again showcased his all-around skills, finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds. His presence in the paint frustrated the Edge’s big men and limited second-chance opportunities.
Marvin Binney lit it up from deep, hitting crucial three-pointers that shifted momentum back to the Riptide whenever St. John’s threatened to rally. His energy on both ends of the floor was infectious, and he finished with 18 points, including 4 of 7 shooting from beyond the arc.
Top Contributors:
- Bryce Washington: 22 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists
- Marvin Binney: 18 points, 4 three-pointers
- T.J. Maston: 17 points, 8 rebounds
- Frank Bartley: 14 points, 4 assists
The Turning Point: Third Quarter Dominance
After trailing by five at halftime, Saint John exploded in the third quarter with a 28–15 run, thanks largely to suffocating defense and efficient transition offense. Washington and Maston controlled the boards, while Bartley orchestrated the offense with precision passes and timely drives to the hoop.
"We knew we had to bring the fight to them in the second half," Bartley said. "Coach challenged us to lock in defensively, and we responded."
The Riptide forced multiple turnovers during this stretch, converting them into easy fast-break points and putting the Edge on their heels. Fans watched in amazement as Saint John turned defense into offense seamlessly, shifting the entire momentum of the game.
Defensive Prowess: Winning with Hustle
While offense often gets the headlines, it was Saint John's relentless defensive effort that secured this win. The Riptide out-rebounded the Edge 48–37 and held them to just 41% shooting from the field. Key defensive stops late in the fourth quarter ensured that St. John's couldn’t mount a comeback.
Coach Terroba praised his team's defensive commitment after the game: "Defense travels. No matter the venue, when we defend, we give ourselves a chance to win. Tonight was proof of that."
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Style
Beyond the basketball court, the festive St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere added extra flavor to the night. Fans, many wearing green and waving Irish flags, created an electric setting. The Riptide embraced the occasion, playing with heart and joy, and making the day memorable not just for the win but for the spirit in which it was earned.
What's Next for the Riptide?
The victory improved the Riptide's record to 16–20, keeping their playoff hopes alive. With just a few regular-season games remaining, each contest took on added importance. Building on this emotional road win, Saint John looked poised to make a serious push into the postseason.
Remaining Key Games:
- March 21 vs Island Storm
- March 28 at Cape Breton Highlanders
- March 31 at Island Storm
The team’s formula for success remained clear: dominate the boards, share the ball, defend with passion, and capitalize on key moments — just like they did against St. John’s.
The Saint John Riptide's St. Patrick’s Day triumph over the St. John’s Edge was a testament to the team's growth, heart, and belief. On a night dedicated to celebration, the Riptide gave their fans — and themselves — a reason to smile, dancing off the court with a hard-fought, well-earned victory.
As the playoffs approached, one thing was certain: this Riptide squad had the heart of champions. Whether they were playing at home or on the road, in front of thousands or dozens, Saint John played with pride, unity, and an unwavering fighting spirit that defined their 2019 campaign.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and Go Riptide!
