Jacksonville, FL – Following last weeks’ loss to the Orlando Wave, the Jacksonville Giants bounced back, Saturday night, with a sense of purpose and determination in a sensational, 116-111, win over the 12th ranked Maryland based DMV Warriors. The 5th ranked Giants improve to 9-1 on the season with DMV dropping to 7-3.
“This was a great win,” said Giants head coach Jerry Williams. “Our fans were behind us the entire game and support elevated our play on the court.”
The crowd at Edward Waters College witnessed a very competitive game that featured two of the ABA’s most promising franchises. The fans were also entertained by Giants’ mascot MR. Biggs with fun dancing from the Jewels and Gems dance teams. During an intermission, a local fan nearly made a $500 half court shot.
Jacksonville jumped out to a comfortable 27-13 first quarter lead. The 14 point advantage, however, didn’t last long as DMV made a strong second quarter comeback. The Warriors used a strong offensive attack to cut the deficit to 53-46. Both teams played a very cohesive second quarter and remained focused heading into the halftime break. Jacksonville was led by the strong offensive combination of guards Maurice Mickens and Aaron Bowen. Mickens led Jacksonville with a team high 29 points, 26 coming in the second half, with Bowen finishing second on the team with 23 points.
DMV kept playing aggressive and at one point the Warriors took a 3 point lead in the third quarter. Both teams were potent from the outside shooting ranges. DMV landed 16 three pointers in the game with Jacksonville landing 13. Both teams continued to trade blows in the third and fourth quarter. Kelvin Parker led the Warriors with 23 total points.
Jacksonville, despite being outscored 32-30 in the third quarter, stayed resilient throughout the final quarter. The Giants’ defense began to control the fourth quarter with strong play from Bowen, Calvin Warner and Bernard Nugent. Bowen and Warner each had six rebounds with Nugent’s defensive attack contributing to the Warrior’s 14 turnovers. Nugent also added 16 total points on the offensive side. The Giants out-rebounded DMV 48-43 in the game.
The Giants return to the court on Saturday, January 20th, 2018. Jacksonville will host the Fayetteville Flight at 7:00 p.m. at the University of North Florida Arena. For ticket information please check the Giants website at www.jacksonvillegiants.com or call 904-355-6531.
Planning your child’s birthday party has never been easier. Call the Giants and let MR. Biggs do all the work with MR. Biggs Birthday Bash sponsored by The Party Shop. For more information contact your birthday party specialist at 904-355-6531.
