The Bombers started strong, outscoring Tropics 18-7 in the first quarter - a lead that would continue until the final whistle. Tropic’s big-man Rowe did not play in the first quarter however still managed to rack up an impressive 19 points and 7 rebounds, being the lead scorer in the game with only 3 quarters of play. Could his attendance in the first quarter have been the deciding factor?

By halftime, Bombers led 29-12, with much of the offense flowing through Baker, who posted 12 points. However, Baker did struggle again from the 3 point line, converting only 2 of his 7 shots - this is a trend that we have seen this season after his outstanding performance from 3 point range last year.

While Bombers’ aggressive play early gave them an edge, Tropics fought back with a strong 17-point third quarter led by Rowe and Prov. The youth of Tropics also gave them a boost during the end segments of the game, with Bethmage and Sowden hustling from one side of the court to the other for the duration of the game. 

Defence played a significant role in this low scoring game, with 16 steals collectively (Tropics with 9, Bombers with 7), with Parker pickpocketing the ball 4 times. And Rowe blocked 3 shot attempts by Bombers. Unfortunately for Tropics, strong defence wasn’t enough to secure the win. 

With a tight 9-9 score in the fourth quarter, Bombers managed to hold off Tropics’ last attempts to close the gap, ensuring their lead held. Brotherston ensured that the Bombers kept the lead, by adding 11 points to the boxscore during the game. 

Tropics have a few weeks to regroup before facing last year’s runner-up, Lincoln Lightning. 

Bombers face Oddities in their next game. 

Bombers Highlights:

• Baker (#14) led the Bombers with 12 points, shooting 45.5% from the field (5-11), while also adding 4 rebounds.

• A. Brotherston (#11) contributed 11 points, shooting 50.0% from the field (5-10), and grabbed 5 rebounds.

• J. Gray (#7) added 7 points, shooting 42.9% from the field (3-7), while contributing 2 steals and 5 assists.

• C. Percival (#10) scored 6 points, shooting 100% from the free-throw line (2-2), and added 8 rebounds.

Tropics Highlights:

• Rowe (#21) was the standout for the Tropics, scoring 19 points, shooting 53.8% from the field (7-13), and also contributing 7 rebounds and 1 steal.

• Prov (#17) added 9 points, shooting 66.7% from two-point range (4-6), and collected 3 rebounds.

• M. Oles (#8) contributed 4 points and led the team in assists with 6, while adding 11 rebounds.

Team Performance:

• The Bombers shot 34.0% from the field overall and 60.0% from the free-throw line.

• The Tropics struggled offensively, shooting 24.2% from the field and 45.5% from the free-throw line.

• The Bombers had a strong defensive showing with 7 steals and forced 12 turnovers from the Tropics.

• The Tropics led in rebounding with 31 total rebounds compared to the Bombers' 26, but the Bombers' defense created enough disruption to keep the Tropics' scoring low.

Scoring by Quarter:

• Q1: Bombers 18, Tropics 7

• Q2: Bombers 11, Tropics 5

• Q3: Tropics outscored the Bombers 17-5

• Q4: Both teams tied, 9-9

Final score: Bombers 43 - Tropics 38