Rainmen Blow Out the Ice Cold Frost Heaves - RAINMEN 128, FROST HEAVES 83

RAINMEN 128, FROST HEAVES 83
This wasn't a pretty game by any means for the Vermont Frost Heaves.  Vermont struggled from the get-go as they could only manage to put up 13 points in the opening quarter and weren't able to make a run to get back into it.  Vermont shot poorly in the first half (15 for 46) and by halftime, had a 29-point deficit to the Rainmen.  Halifax on the other hand, had their offense rolling with their 57% shooting which helped them land their third straight preseason win.

The Rainmen had eight players in double figures, including Tony Bennett who led the Rainmen for the third straight game with 18 points.

Shaun "Mavs" Gillis and Bill McLean's Player of the Game:
Eric Crookshank - 10 points (5-8 FG), 10 rebounds

Romy Aquino's Player of the Game:
Shagari Alleyne - 8 points (4-7 FG), 14 rebounds, 1 assist and a whopping 6 blocks

Vermont Player of the Game:
Matt Hall - 25 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Key Notes:

• Vermont shot a miserable 36.3% from the field
• Halifax was 95% from the free throw line in the first half, making 19 of 20 attempts
• Devon Norris got some extended run in the fourth quarter, and finished with 3 points and 2 rebounds
• Rainmen finish 3-0 in the preseason Holiday Classic
• With the game well in hand, the crowd chanted "STRICK! STRICK! STRICK!" in the fourth quarter and their wish was granted as John Strickland played 5 minutes of the final quarter
• Vermont's jerseys were a little confusing as the names on their jerseys did not correspond with the actual player wearing them (I'm sure Mavs and Bill had a great time with that!)
• In case you haven't noticed, Rainmen assistant coach, Shannon Hansen, has a striking resemblance to former Portland Trail Blazer, Brian Grant 
• What is a Frost Heave? According to TheFreeDictionary.com:

frost heave:  n. New England , A section of ruptured pavement caused by the expansion of freezing water immediately under the road. Also called regionally frost boil.

The Rainmen begin their regular season on January 3rd and make their home debut on Sunday, January 10th vs. Quebec. Haligonia.ca will have live coverage of all the Rainmen home games this season!


So the preseason is complete, who has impressed you the most with this new-look Rainmen squad?  Let us know and leave a comment below!

Romy Aquino covers the pro basketball game (the Canadian Flavour of the NBA, the PBL's Halifax Rainmen) from a fan's perspective.  He also can be found at NBA hoops blogs, Hip Hoop Junkies (A Member of TheScore.com's Sports Federation) and Hoop Heads North.  Follow him on Twitter: @romyaquino