Along with strong contributions from the starters, the Storm’s bench accounted for 57 of the team’s points in a convincing 119-97 road win over the Oshawa Power.
The win improved the Storm’s record in the National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada to 5-3 (won-lost). In fact, the win gives the Storm the second-best winning percentage – .625 – in the seven-team league, behind only the London Lightning (7-2, .778).
Against Oshawa, Chris Cayole and Eric Gilchrese each poured in 26 points to lead the Storm. Cayole was 10-for-14 from the field while Gilchrese, who sank 11 of 12 free throws, went 7-for-10. Mike Williams, who hauled in 10 rebounds, and Louie McCroskey each sank 17 points, and Al Stewart contributed 10.
Brandon Robinson (19), Akeem Wright (18) and Omari Johnson (14) were the top scorers for Oshawa (3-5).
In control throughout
The Storm was in control of the game from the start. Summerside jumped out to a 30-16 lead after the opening quarter. After the Power started the second quarter on a 14-4 run, the Storm managed to take a 66-47 lead into halftime.
The Storm then outscored the Power 31-23 in the third quarter to build a commanding 97-70 lead. The Power closed to within 11 points in the final quarter, but that’s as close as they could get.
Busy week
The Storm’s next game is Wednesday night, when they open a stretch of three games in three nights on the road against the Saint John Mill Rats (4-4). The Storm will then return home to host the Quebec Kebs (5-4) on Thursday at 7 p.m., and league-leading London on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Both home games will be played at EastLink Arena.
Coach resigns
In other league news, Norris Bell resigned as head coach and general manager of the Moncton Miracles on Friday. The Miracles were winless in seven games.
Bell said he stepped down due to personal reasons.
Charlottetown tickets
The Storm announced Friday that tickets for home games can now be purchased at Courtside Sneakers in Charlottetown starting today at noon.
Courtside Sneakers, a locally-owned basketball shop, is located at 155 Belvedere Avenue.
