In a thrilling showdown, the 905 staged an impressive comeback after a shaky start, where they allowed 44 points in the first quarter. The Windy City Bulls came out blazing, hitting 71% of their shots and barely needing to rely on threes. Canadian Leonard Miller was among four Bulls players scoring nine points in that opening blitz.
But as the saying goes, it's not about how you start, it's about how you finish. The 905 flipped the narrative in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Bulls 45-28, making up for their earlier 44-28 deficit.
The second quarter saw the 905 ramp up their aggression, attacking the rim and earning more trips to the free-throw line. A.J.
Lawson, leading with 26 points, was pivotal in keeping the game within reach, adding 10 points in the quarter. Julian Reese showcased his skills in the paint, while Olivier Sarr found his range from deep.
The 905's defense also stepped up, forcing a crucial shot clock violation and capitalizing on key plays to close the gap to eight points by halftime.
The third quarter was a battle, with Coach Drew Jones vocally contesting calls from the sidelines. Despite the Bulls' sharp shooting from beyond the arc, the 905 clawed back, with Jarkel Joiner and Tyreke Key making timely contributions. The Bulls maintained a slim lead, but the 905's persistence kept the game within striking distance.
In the final quarter, Jamison Battle emerged as the hero, hitting five of eight from three-point range. His sharpshooting, combined with Lawson's clutch plays, sparked a seven-point swing that gave the 905 their first lead. Alijah Martin, despite foul trouble, delivered when it mattered, using his size to score critical baskets and free throws.
Leonard Miller's powerful dunk threatened to derail the comeback, but Battle's timely threes kept the 905 ahead. Mac McClung, who led all scorers with 34 points, tried to rally the Bulls, but Lawson's corner three and Joiner's steady free-throw shooting sealed the victory.
In the end, the 905's resilience and strategic adjustments led to a memorable win, showcasing their ability to weather the storm and emerge victorious against the Windy City's initial surge.