The Rainmen, who outscored the Storm by 13 points in the second quarter, took a 61-47 advantage into halftime. Nineteen of those first-half points came via free throws as the Rainmen shot 19-for-22.
The Storm started the third quarter on a 15-4 run, but new Rainmen head coach Robert Spon and his team responded with an 11-2 run and led by seven points, 88-81, at the end of three quarters. Each team scored 29 points in the final 12 minutes.
The loss dropped the Storm record to 5-4 (won-lost), and the Rainmen reached the .500 mark at 4-4.
Before 1,796 fans at the Halifax Metro Centre, Brandon Robinson had 21 points and five rebounds to lead the Rainmen. Antoine Tisby (17) and Joey Haywood (14) were Halifax’s other top scorers.
Antonio Ballard, who had his third double-double of the season, had the second-biggest game in Storm history scoring 35 points to go along with 15 boards. Troy Jackson, who had 39 points against the Saint John Mill Rats on Feb. 10, 2012, holds the record.
Greg Plummer added 25 points and four steals, and Al Stewart was credited with 18.
Busy week
It’s another busy week for the Storm, who, along with the Storm Troupers dance team, will participate in the Summerside Santa Claus Parade on Monday evening. The Storm will then visit the Moncton Miracles on Tuesday night, and will return home to prepare for two weekend home games at Eastlink Arena. The Windsor Express visits on Friday night, and the Miracles provide the opposition in a rare matinee on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
The Storm has announced their ‘Holiday Spirit Ticket Package’ that includes three game tickets to the team’s Dec. 26, Dec. 28 and Dec. 31 home games. It also includes a $5 coupon to Michael’s Restaurant and a $5 coupon towards the purchase of Storm gear.
