Fans saw a great re-match game between the Jacksonville Giants and the South Carolina Warriors Sunday afternoon at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. The Warriors won the first game in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 115-109 on January 22, 2012. Jacksonville made a great come-back but lost the game in the final seconds, 113-111.
The ABA Power Rankings list South Carolina tied for first place with the Colorado Kings Through February 19, 2012. Jacksonville is ranked #8.
Both teams traded baskets in the first quarter. Jacksonville led at the end of the quarter, 29-28. The second quarter was also even, with South Carolina leading 54-53. Giants seven foot center, Jermaine Bell scored 15 points at the half and the Warriors point guard, Tony White Jr. had 20 points at intermission.
In the third quarter, South Carolina extended their lead by 15 points and lead at the end of the quarter 86-71.
Jacksonville made a great comeback in the 4th quarter and took the lead at 109-108. Warriors three point shot gave them the lead, 111-109. Fans saw an exciting finish when Jacksonville had the final possession with under 10 seconds left in the game, but failed to get a shot off, Warriors won 113-111.
Leading scorer for Jacksonville was seven foot center Jermaine Bell with 30 points. Guard Hot Rod Harris scored 20 points. For the Warriors, point guard, Tony White Jr. scored 30 points and center/power forward Marquise Gainus scored 29 points.
Several fans after the game made the comment how well the South Carolina team was well coached by their head coach, George Tuttle, and his staff. Their guards were good bringing up the ball against full court pressure, several players made three point shots, and their big men did a good job rebounding and scoring in the paint.
The Warriors point guard, White, was an excellent ball handler, shot the three point shot with ease, showed quickness which enabled to get his own shot off the dribble, and unselfishly distributed the ball to his teammates. I look for him to make the ABA All-Star team.
After the game, I spoke with Jacksonville Giants Head Coach, Kevin Waters. He praised the South Carolina team saying, their is a reason they are ranked number one. I am proud of my players coming from a 15 point deficit, they did not give up, the guys battled back.
It was the Giants first home loss in two years.
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