Warriors play with Spirit, but fall to Ottawa

In the second of a home-and-home re-match between rivals, the Nelson Warriors took on Ottawa at Scott Activity Center tonight, falling to the high energy Spirit, 81-68. Falling behind early, the Warriors fought to keep the game close and never let the defecit get out of hand, but ultimately failed to overcome a strong shooting night by Ottawa, coupled with an uncommonly cold offensive night themselves.

The normally sure shooting Nelson club never found their rhythm, finishing just 42.6% from the field and only 4-21 from beyond the arc, while Ottawa, who the Warriors held to 42% themselves in their previous meeting, consistently found the mark, firing a blistering 60.7% in the first half and 55.6% for the game. "That was the difference tonight in this one," remarked interim head coach Kole Ebert. "Our defensive pressure was outstanding all game. We forced them into 20 turnovers, a number that should have been enough. But they kept hitting tough shots and we couldn't match them make for make."

The normally sure-handed Warriors were forced into 19 turnovers themselves, a double-whammy in the end when coupled with their own poor shooting.

Nelson did have plenty of strong individual efforts however, led by Zaveion Bineyard's 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals. His play on both ends of the court, evenly balanced between both halves, regularly gave the club a boost of energy at opportune moments, shooting life into the sellout crowd just begging for a big play to celebrate. Tommy Randolph did provide an electrical moment late in the game with a one-handed slam over two opponents, for two of his 18 points. Harley Upton rounded out double-digit scorers with 11 points and 3 assists.

Hunter Richardson led all scorers for Ottawa with 25 points, off the bench, while Jack Galiardi finished with 18.

Up next for the Warriors (4-3) is Southern California Leadership University (1-6) at 2pm at the Scott Activity Center on Saturday, December 14.