Jerice Crouch and Jamaal Davis both had 17 points as the Rochester RazorSharks win streak has hit double digits, escaping with a 103-99 win over the Lake Michigan Admirals on a Thursday night showdown at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY in front of 3,819 fans.
Rochester took a big lead into the second half using pressure and forcing turnovers, only to watch it slip away as Lake Michigan hit shot after shot to take make the game close and even take the lead.
Leading the second half surge was former RazorShark Demetrius Howard, who finished with a game-high 21 points and hit five 3-point baskets for his new team.
“It was different to come into the arena and go into the other locker room,” said Howard. “We both laced up [our sneakers] and played ball, but [the Admirals] did not get the win.”
Throughout the season, Rochester has looked at different ways to improve their game, including better offensive efficiency, a more intense defense, and better rebounding. All of those have improved, except Rochester is lacking at accelerating at the end of a game when they have a big lead.
“It’s a mental and focus thing,” said Tasheed Carr, who finished with 12 points and five rebounds. “We need to sustain full possessions and stop relaxing and start finishing to keep these big leads.” However, as Rochester improves to 13-1, there is a positive in these close games.
“In these close games [that we have won], we have learned how to make these close, clutch plays to get the win,” said Rochester Head Coach Rod Baker. “It’s a positive that we are learning how to play in these close games.”
Taking the lead in the second half for Rochester was Crouch, whose 17 points all came in the second half, to go along with seven assists and three steals.
“We came out flat in that second half and although I do not always think about scoring, I needed to pick up my guys,” said Crouch. “I knew we had to get ahead, so I became more aggressive to help out.”
Rochester was also lead by Aaron Williams’ 15 points and eight rebounds, Brandon Webster’s eight points and 10 rebounds, and Keith Friel’s seven point, three steal effort.
Howard came off the bench to score his 21 points and Tyc Snow joined him off the bench to throw in 16 points. Romain Martin started the game for the Admirals and finished with 20 points. The Admirals fall to 0-9 on the season, but Head Coach Ace Jackson is optimistic on the rest of the season.
“Rochester out-rebounded us and that is what really hurt us down the stretch,” said Jackson. “The third quarter was a nice victory to look at, as we took a fifteen point deficient into a lead. We are in the right direction going forward.”
Rochester looks to clinch the Eastern Division of the Premier Basketball League with their next win.
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