The Saskatchewan Rattlers continue to march towards the CEBL championship weekend after a narrow win at home over the raining back-to-back champions Edmonton Stingers. It was a 94-91 victory for the Rattlers in a game that saw them control large portions of the game.

The Rattlers looked motivated and prepared to win as they took a 51-35 lead into halftime. Jordy Tshimanga was leading the way defensively at half with eight rebounds, seven being defensive. Veteran, Bruce Massey was looking dangerous offensively shooting 100% from the field with eight points in over 13 minutes. Unfortunately he exited the game near the end of the second quarter and returned to the bench in the third wearing what appeared to be a sling on his right arm.

Heading to the fourth quarter the Rattlers started to pull away and looked like they were on the verge of putting the game away having a 14 point cushion needing only four to win. That comfort wouldn’t last as the Stingers got it to a one point game with a chance to win as the target score was set at 94 in a 92-91 game. The Stingers would take a foul in what the didn’t realize was the bonus and it would cost them as Tony Carr hit the line and drained both to win and move on.

With Carr’s high offensive abilities he isn’t afraid of the pressure of big moments.

“I’ve been in a lot of situations where I’m in a position to make the decision to win or lose the game.  It’s something I embrace, something I look forward to and sometimes its free-throw sometimes a shot, whatever it is, I’m just trying to do the best for my team.”

He would finish with 20 points to go with seven rebounds.

The Rattlers are done in the snake-pit for the year as they will now head to Toronto to take on the third seed Scarborough Shooting Stars in their quarter final matchup. The winner will move on to the CEBL championship weekend in Ottawa August 12. Catch quarterfinals action on CEBL plus, Tip-Off is set for 3:00pm ET August 7th.

-Matthew Merriman