Sky Chiefs Roll Western New York for 1st Home Win
GoLocalProv Sports Team
Sky Chiefs Roll Western New York for 1st Home Win
Taking Control
Providence was able to get control of this game early on, turning a 16-13 first quarter lead into a 32-17 lead to close the quarter. The Sky Chiefs put an exclamation point on the quarter by scoring five points in the final seconds after scoring and then stealing the ball in the back court, setting up a Shane DaRosa three with the clock on its way to zero.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTProvidence head coach Kyle Ivey-Jones told GoLocal the key to the early success was pushing the pace.
"Just coming out and running. Last season and this season we were very good at running, pushing the ball, getting easy buckets. That's the key for us is being able to get out and run. You know we got away from that and they were able to creep back into the game, so we got to make sure we keep putting pressure on their defense," Ivey-Jones said after the game.
In the second quarter, a Corey Evans three would help get Providence a commanding 58-44 half time lead.
Weathering the Thundersnow's Run
The Thundersnow would battle back, first in the third quarter, getting as close as 12 points before Providence pushed their lead back to 20, 82-62. The Sky Chiefs would take a 17 point lead into the fourth quarter.
The Thundersnow would make another charge late in the fourth quarter getting their deficit to only 9 points, 108-99, with 3:53 left to play. The closest they had been since the first quarter
However, the Sky Chiefs would close the game on a 15-8 run to seal their second win of the season.
The Leaders
The Sky Chiefs were led by Corey Wright who netted 21 points in the game, while Shane DaRosa followed up with 17 points of his own.
Next up
The Sky Chiefs return to action on Saturday,February 6th when they host the New England Shamrocks at the Wildcat Center. Providence lost to the Shamrocks 114-103 earlier in the season.
"Obviously, we are looking to get that win back that we gave away. This week we will do our due diligence in scouting them, they have been playing pretty well, so we have to make sure that we are prepared for them," Ivey-Jones said.
Tip off for the game is set for 4 p.m.
Sky Chiefs in the Premier Basketball League
The Sky Chiefs are in their first season in the Premier Basketball League after having success in the 72 team ABA last season. The difference between the two leagues is significant.
"There is a huge difference, there is not as many teams in this league, this league is not as watered down. The ABA had 72 teams, this league has 18, so in my opinion, the competition is better because there are less teams," Ivey-Jones told GoLocal.
Just four games in, Providence has climbed back to the .500 mark after starting the season with two straight losses.
For more information on the Sky Chiefs, click here.