Their game never quite in doubt, the Saskatchewan Rattlers never trailed Thursday against the visiting Vancouver Bandits. The Rattlers jumped out to a quick 9-0 head-start and led by as many 23 on their way to a 98-86 victory in Canadian Elite Basketball League action before 2,200 fans at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. “We play our brand of basketball and we want to come out on top and it’s happening for us.
I just hope we continue to stick with it.” Jalen Harris led the way with 26 points and nine assists to go along with six rebounds and two steals. “We took a lot of what we learned from the last game (against Montreal) when we were down 20, in terms of us being up 20 this game and not letting them do (come back) like we did,” said Harris, whose Rattlers improved their CEBL record to 3-0 this season.
“We kind of went out and tried not to have any lulls. That was the main thing: trying to keep consistent, trying to keep our distance with the score.” Harkless finished the night with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocked shots.
“We just had to come out and execute,” said Harkless. “Coaches put together a great game plan. We had a great shoot-around earlier this morning and we were just ready to play, a great opportunity to hold home court for our last game (before heading on a road trip).
” A spectacular dunk by Harkless ended the third quarter in electrifying style, getting rave reviews from his Rattlers head coach Larry Abne.