Although it certainly got hairy near the end, the Wisconsin Herd posted a wire-to-wire victory over the Maine Red Claws Friday night to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Wisconsin Herd’s slim playoff hopes still remain alive after pulling out a victory late over the Maine Red Claws on Friday night in Menominee Nation Arena, winning 106-103.
With the Red Claws coming out of the gate sluggish, the Herd responded by pulling out ahead of the Boston Celtics’ affiliate mere minutes after the opening tip. Although the Red Claws were able to regroup somewhat and overcome their weary start, the Herd were able to keep up their solid start as they led 23-15 after one.
The Herd were able to maintain their level of play throughout the second quarter and managed to hold their lead comfortably heading into halftime, leading 48-38.
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It was in the third quarter when the game steadily shifted into a more offensive, high scoring affair for both teams.
At first, that was being dictated by the Herd as they showed no signs of slowing down during the period’s opening few minutes.
But the Red Claws quickly answered back and closed the gap down to single digits and even a single possession after going on a 15-4 run from midway through the quarter to the 3:24 mark. Fortunately, the Herd were able stem the tide, eventually rebounding to lead 77-69 with 12 minutes to go.
The Herd carried that over into the fourth quarter, eventually leading by as much as 15 with just over 10 minutes to go in the game. Once again, however, the Red Claws steadily (ahem) clawed their way back, not going down without a fight.
That coincided with the Herd keeping the door open for the Red Claws to make it a game once again as their play started to become a little shaky nearing the final few minutes of the night. With that said, the Herd were still able to knock down key, timely shots late. The biggest one being a three-pointer from Ricky Ledo at the two-minute mark of the quarter to make it a five-point game.
While both teams briefly traded baskets back and forth to maintain the difference, the Red Claws’ luck ran out on a desperation half court heave as time expired, leaving the Herd to come out on top unscathed and ensuring their 19th win of the season.