The Maine Red Claws head on the road with a three-game losing streak, thanks to a 126-114 lose to the Austin Toros.
Maine came out in the first quarter with more energy than they had displayed against Springfield, particularly by Alexis Ajinca. Believe it or not, the Red Claws were led by Ajinca with six points, three rebounds, and four blocked shots. His energy stems from a serious lack of playtime during the Springfield series.
First quarter ended with a Maine 26-17 lead.
The intensity continued throughout the first half as Maine held on to that sizable lead. Offense not being a problem in the past, their defense stepped up. With Ajinca’s return, the only true big man on the team, the hoop is better protected. That frees the quicker players, which is everyone, to be more aggressive on defense, and go for more steals.
At the end of two, 51-41 was the Maine lead.
The third quarter has been the worst for the Maine Red Claws in the month of January. Here is a stat to consider: Coming into Friday’s game, Maine has outscored its opponents by eleven points in the third quarter of its four wins. In the five loses, however, Maine was outscored by 27 points. The Toros outdid the Red Claws in the third of this game 34-21.
After three quarters, Maine was down 75-72.
The fourth quarter saw the Red Claws lose some of that energy. They had a rebounding edge most of the game, which was lost in the last quarter. But, it also saw a seesaw battle as Maine clawed (no pun intended) their way back to a tie at the end of regulation. Maine had a lead until a flagrant foul call, and subsequent free throws, with three seconds to play, tied the game.
At the end of four, all tied at 108.
Overtime was all Toros. Several jumpers, led by Spurs-assignee Malik Hairston, gave Austin the 18-6 overtime run to end the game. He ended with 43 points, and Curtis Jerrells had 30 of his own.
Maine now has its first triple-double in team history. Alexis Ajinca scored 26 points, nabbed 13 rebounds, and blocked ten shots. Celtic-assignee J.R. Giddens scored 23 in his second game with the Claws.
The Red Claws, now at 13-9, head out for three games. First up, is Bakersfield on Sunday. That games tips off at 7pm. You can tune in via NBA Futurecast or listen on 96.3 FM, the Big Jab. What do you think of this losing streak? What can the Claws do better? Drop a line, or subscribe. Thanks!
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