-Matt Potak
The defending ABA National Champions remained undefeated with a commanding 133-84 win over the Pensacola Lightning. The victory puts Jacksonville at 6-0 for the season and gives the team its 28th consecutive win, dating back to December 17, 2016. The Giants outscored the lightning 271-164 in the weekend series.
“We started way to slow in the first half,” said Giants head coach Jerry Williams. “It seemed like we were sleepwalking but in the second half we woke back up.”
The Giants, despite winning the game by nearly 50 points, remained humble in victory and will look to improve for the home opener on Friday night vs Mobile Bay. Jacksonville had only a slim halftime advantage against a scrappy Lightning team.
“We still have a lot to fix,” said point guard and 2016-17 ABA MVP Maurice Mickens.
The Giants had another breathtaking offensive night from newcomer Dylon Cromier. Cromier scored a team high 28 points in today’s win and concluded the weekend series with a combined 60 points.
“We have to play better as a unit,” said Cromier, referring to the teams slow first half start.
The Giants exploded in be second half, scoring 92 points. Cromier and Mickens energized the offense. Mickens scored 17 third quarter points and ended the game with 24 points. Cromier and Mickens each had four successful three pointers in the game. Tim Anderson (19 points) and Aaron Bowen (15 points) rounded out the top scorers for the Giants.
“We still have a lot to fix despite another 50 point win,” said assistant coach Marcus Thomas.
At one point in the second half the Giants had five 3D possessions in a row. The entire team came together in all phases of the game to shut down the Lightning. The physical defensive play from Jermaine Bell and Bernard Nugent kept Pensacola tentative offensively. Jacksonville continued a rapid press defense, which forced multiple Pensacola turnovers.
“The entire team came together in the second half and put together a defensive performance like no other,” said Williams.
The Giants will now turn their attention to the Mobile Bay Tornadoes in Friday nights home opener at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Last season Jacksonville defeated Mobile Bay in a thrilling 109-107 come from behind win in the ABA Final Four game played in Baltimore. The game ended the Tornadoes 2016-17 season. Tipoff for Friday nights game is slated for 7:00pm. For ticket information please check the Giants website at
www.jacksonvillegiants.com
The 4-time ABA National Champion Jacksonville Giants begin their 8th Season and will celebrate “Championship Night” at their home opener on Friday, December 15th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. This 2017 Final Four rematch against the Mobile Bay Tornados will be a game worth seeing. The Giants outscored the Tornados in the semi-finals of the 2017 playoffs by a slim margin of 109 to 107. The Tornados will be looking to even the score.
Get your season tickets today at www.jacksonvillegiants.com or by calling 904-355-6531.
MR. Biggs Birthday Bash
Looking for the perfect spot to throw your son or daughter’s birthday party this year?! Why not let the Giants help you make it unforgettable. Make your birthday girl or boy feel like an ALL-STAR with MR. Biggs Birthday Bash package.
Package Includes:
•Meet the players before game time.
•Designated Party area visit from MR. Biggs
•Birthday Girl/Boy will have the opportunity to “high-five” the players.
•Name of the Birthday Girl/Boy displayed on the Jumbo Tron during the game.
•An autographed souvenir basketball for the Birthday Girl/Boy.
For more information contact one of our Party Specialists at the Giants office: 904-355-6531 or go to MR. Biggs Birthday Bash.
