Bears Scratch out First Win

The Bathurst Bears, using a relentless and quick attack from the opening possession, built a big lead then held on to make team history.

The Bears defeated the visiting Saint John Union 105-96 for their first win in the new Eastern Canadian Basketball League Monday night before 910 spectators at the K.C. Irving Centre.

The win gives the Bears a 1-7 record while the second-place Union dropped to 5-4. The Bears stormed out to a 51-37 lead at halftime and held a 78-60 advantage after three quarters before the Union closed the gap to just five in the final frame.

Stanley Mayambo led the Bears with 36 points and Brandon Jamar added 19. OJ Watson and Brian Williams each netted 14 points. Mikey Rodriquez answered with 29 points for the Union while Kyle Arsenault had 15 and Chevon Brown chipped in with 12.

The Bears out-rebounded the Union 58-34.

League play continues Thursday, when the Bears visit the Valley Vipers (1-5). Game time is 7 p.m. at the Stu Aberdeen Centre on the campus of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. At the same time, the Union faces the first-place Truro Tide (8-0) at the Cobequid Education Centre. 

The Vipers entertain the Moncton Motion (4-3) and the Bears visit the Tide on Friday at 7 p.m. The Charlottetown Power (4-4) welcome the Tide on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Eastlink Centre.