The six time ABA National Champion Jacksonville Giants will finish 2019 with an undefeated record. The Giants dominated the Miami based 305 Ballers 128-113. The win puts Jacksonville at 10-0 for the season.
“It’s was a great weekend for the team,” said head coach Jerry Williams. “We played good basketball and I look forward to what 2020 brings.”
Offensively the Giants put on another strong showing, using a fast tempo that couldn’t be matched by 305. Seven Giants players scored in double digits on the afternoon. Shooting guard Bernard Nugent led the team with 24 points. Nugent was electric during the contest and helped spark several offensive rally’s.
Other top scorers for Jacksonville included, Miguel Paul (18 points), Maurice Mickens (17 points), Calvin Warner (14 points) and Brent Williams (14 points). The scoring leaders showed that Jacksonville evenly distributed the ball to players all game. Multiple players played a part in the 128 points.
Another familiar name in the stat column, on Sunday, was Jerrod Tucker. Tucker, who missed the majority of the 2018-19 season due to an achilles injury, returned to play on Sunday. Tucker, the team captain, scored 11 points in his season debut. The Giants players, coaches, and support staff are excited about Tuckers return.
Star of the Game: Shooting guard Bernard Nugent had another explosive game. Nugent led the team with 24 points. The 305 Ballers had difficulties stopping Nugent on the perimeter. Mickens and Williams helped compliment Nugent during the game.
Turning Point: Jacksonville went on a 12-2 run to close the first half, extending the Giants lead to 73-50. The first half deficit was too much for the Ballers to overcome. The scoring rally was led by Nugent, Calvin Warner, and Brent Williams.
On Defense: Warner played strong inside defense and led the team in blocked shots. Tucker was strong in the rebounding department with Nugent leading the way in steals.
Up Next: Jacksonville heads to Georgia for a match-up with the Georgia Grizzlies on January 4, 2020.
Upcoming Home Games: The Giants will celebrate their 2019 championship with Champions Night on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the Veterans Memorial Arena where they will host a championship rematch and have their championship ring ceremony and banner unveiling.
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