Rochester pulls away in the second half for a 103-72 victory over the Hurricane.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester RazorSharks improved their record to 8-1 in the Premier Basketball League with a 103-72victory over the Chautauqua Hurricane on Thursday night at the Blue Cross Arena.
The contest was the third matchup of the season between the two teams. In their previous meetings, the Hurricane struggled mightily, losing each by over 50 points. The Hurricane got off to a great start, taking an early lead, and holding it for the first 10 minutes of the game.
It wasn’t until Rashard McGill hit a 3-pointer with 1:57 left in the first quarter that the Sharks took their first lead. After another two minutes of play, it was still a tight game at 23-18 in favor of Rochester.
The second quarter remained close throughout as well. Chautauqua hit three quick shots from long range to start the period, and retook the lead. The Sharks and Hurricane battled all quarter and at the end of the half, were almost deadlocked in a one point game. Rochester headed into the locker room at halftime with the lead, 42-41.
For another six minutes in the third, neither team could take a comfortable lead. Then the Sharks went on a 22-2 run midway through the third, giving them a 70-53 advantage. Heading into the final quarter, Rochester had a comfortable 19-point lead, led by James Helton’s 15 points.
The remainder of the game was all RazorSharks, as they outscored the Hurricane 26-14 in the final stanza.
James Helton was the John Betlem Heating and Cooling Player of the Game, with a game-high 22 points. John Ivy followed with 17 and 5 assists. Corey Allmond netted 16 points, with 3 three-pointers and a couple assists. Rashard McGill contributed 12 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals, as Jerice Crouch contributed 5 assists with his 10 points. Dele Coker dominated the boards with 12 rebounds. He and Jordan Railey locked it down in the paint with 4 huge blocks each. Railey also pulled down 9 boards.
The RazorSharks return Monday to the BCA to face off against the Kentucky Mavericks (7-1). The Sharks dropped the first game to the Mavericks in Kentucky this past Sunday. Tipoff Monday will be 2 pm to celebrate Kids’ Day at the BCA.
Tickets for Monday are available now and can be purchased at the BCA box office, or by calling our office at (585) 232-9190.