Montreal – July 22, 2022
Montreal Alliances 71 – 94 Newfoundland Growlers
In Canadian Elite Basketball League action, the Montreal Alliance played host to the Newfoundland Growlers tonight, at Verdun arena, in what would be a fairly one-sided affair.
In the opening moments, Montreal forward Ashley Hamilton seemed to suffer an injury on a relatively innocent play. Hamilton fell on top of the Newfoundland center Nysier Brooks, seemingly leaning on the back of the flattened Brooks and grasped at his hamstring. Hamilton needed medical attention before being helped off the court by his trainers. The lose of Hamilton greatly affected the Alliances attack, as he and Nathan Cayo are responsible for the majority of Montreal’s scoring. Hamilton put up 19 points for the Alliance against the Guelph Nighthawks in their last match, July 13th, and his absence was felt.
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The Growlers got off to a six point lead before Montreal scored, and for the majority of the opening quarter, the score was tight. Montreal briefly led but the Growlers remained close, gradually retaking the lead before the end of the quarter.
As the game wore on, Newfoundland began to gain ground, increasing their lead and taking a stranglehold double-digit lead. Without Terry Thomas, the Newfoundland Growlers relied heavily on Junior Cadougan (pictured above), Blake Francis who put up 20 points and Jahvon Blair he contributed an addition 18 points.
Late in the game, Montreal Alliance attempted a comeback, and gave a valiant effort, but the gap in score was too large and the Growlers too good, as Montreal fell to Newfoundland by a final score of 71 to 94. Nathan Cayo led the Alliance with 18 points, while the loss of Ashley Hamilton began to hurt the Alliances more and more as the clock ticked away.
With the loss, the Newfoundland Growlers draw equal in the standings with Montreal. With identical records of 4 wins and 12 losses, the two squads are tied for last place in the ten team league. Of course, this is the inaugural season for the Alliance, and growing pains are nearly always the order of the day. A decent turn-out of 3010 fans showed up for the match, as the Alliances continue to build their fanbase within the city limits.
The Newfoundland Growlers remain in Montreal and take on the Alliance again this Sunday at 4pm, July 24th at the Verdun auditorium. Tickets are still available for this match.
