-Story by Matt Potak
The defending ABA National Champion Jacksonville Giants traveled to Alabama for a road game vs the Magic City Surge. The long trip didn’t phase the reigning champs as the Giants dominated the Surge 121-96. Jacksonville remains undefeated.
“We didn’t start off well but we stayed the course,” said Giants head coach Jerry Williams.
Team veterans Bernard Nugent and Jermaine Bell were the scoring leaders for Jacksonville. Nugent led the team with 27 points on the night with Bell adding 22. Bells 22 points and 15 rebounds resulted in a double-double. Nugent contributed on defense with eight steals. Both players nearly had a combined total of 50 points. Dylon Cormier rounded out the top scorers with 18 points.
“It was a very physical game,” said Williams. “The refs made some difficult calls on both sides.”
The Giants had a slim 52-46 halftime lead but the third quarter is when Jacksonville began to close the distance. The Giants converted on seven second half three pointers and had 13 total in the game. Cormier, Nugent, Bell, Brett Williams and Aaron Bowen all contributed. The offensive onslaught was too much for the surge.
“It was a tough win,” said team captain Jerrod Tucker. “The bench play really stepped up.”
Jacksonville continues their road trip this weekend with games on Saturday and Sunday. The Giants are getting closer to the ABA Tournament towards the end of March. Full game reports will be available on Jacksonvillegiants.com.
