Rochester will be going for its 4th straight league championship following the win over Jamestown.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester RazorSharks are headed back to the PBL Finals for their chance at winning their fourth straight Premier Basketball League title.
The No. 1 Sharks advanced following their 98-91 semifinal thriller over No. 4 Jamestown Jackals on Sunday afternoon at the Blue Cross Arena.
The first half was an incredibly close game, with 11 lead changes within 24 minutes. The largest lead either team had was 6 points, but at the end of each quarter, it was a one-point game.
Christian Davis had the game of his season for the Jackals, scoring 17 in the first two quarters, but Melvin Council was right behind him with 13 points for the Sharks. Davis finished with a game-high 23 points.
Tensions were high and both teams’ willingness to play physically clearly was showing as bodies seemed to be flying everywhere. Rashard McGill had to leave the game early for the Sharks after a big collision. He was taken to the hospital to be evaluated for a possible concussion.
Heading into half, the score was all tied up at 39-39.
Rochester came out of the gates hot to start the third quarter, scoring the first 7 points of the period. They extended their lead to as many as 18 points.
However, Jamestown showed the type of team they are and laid it all on the line for the rest of the game, showing a ton of heart and never letting up. The Jackals fought back to pull within a point, but just couldn’t get over the hump.
Clutch play by veterans Jerice Crouch and Sidney Holmes ultimately allowed the Sharks to hold on for the win. With 1:15 left in the game, the RazorSharks held a 90-89 advantage. Crouch got an open look from trey, and buried it to all but seal the deal.
Crouch was the John Betlem Heating and Cooling Player of the Game for his team leading 19 points and late game heroics. Council and Jordan Railey netted 16 points each. Railey also dished out 4 assists and blocked 4 shots. His 16 points tied his season high as well. Corey Allmond finished with 10 points to go along with his game-high 6 assists. Sidney Holmes led the Sharks with 8 rebounds.
Rochester will face the winner between No. 3 Ohio and No. 2 Kentucky, which are playing today in Owensboro, KY. Rochester owns home court advantage in the finals, so they will travel to play their opponent for Game 1 in the Best-of-3 series, then return to Rochester next Sunday, April 9 at 2 pm for Game 2. If a Game 3 is needed, it will be held Tuesday, the April 11 at 7 pm at the BCA.