A returning Mitch Creek had a good game, but the same could not be said of his team, as the Vancouver Bandits fell 108-105 to Scarborough Shooting Stars Monday night at Langley Events Centre.
Number 55, the Canadian Elite Basketball League Most Valuable Player, recorded 29 points, seven rebounds and four assists which helped the Bandits almost overcome a lead by the visiting Shooting Stars.
They came within a point late in the game, but no closer.
Bandits head coach Kyle Julius was happy with Creek, who had just signed up for another tour with the Langley-based team on the weekend, but less than pleased with the team’s overall performance.
“I thought (Creek) was awesome tonight, as he always is,” Julius commented.
“I was disappointed with our third quarter. It was like an implosion.”
Julius thought his team “lost their cool” and acted “immature” when the Shooting Stars opened up their the lead,. but also praised them for fighting on despite injuries.
Bandits were without reigning Canadian Player of the Year Tyrese Samuel and Dre Davis, allowing Dominic Parolin into the starting lineup. Parolin finished with eight points and eight rebounds.
Jaelen House scored 22 points on seven-for-nine field goal shooting, while Miller Kopp followed with 20 points, five three pointers made and three steals. Jarkel Joiner had 17 points in 26 minutes.
Going into the game, both teams had the best records in their conferences. The Bandits were 7-2, while the Shooting Stars were 7-1.
Next, the Bandits will travel to Winnipeg for a matchup with the Sea Bears on Thursday before playing the Brampton Honey Badgers at home on Saturday, June 20 at 6 p.m.