The Saskatoon Mamba saved their best for last.
The Saskatoon Mamba saved their best for last.
Trailing by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter, Saskatoon erupted for 32 points in the final frame and completed a dramatic comeback to defeat the Ottawa BlackJacks 96-94 on Monday night at Merlis Belsher Place.
After controlling stretches of the opening half and taking a 49-58 deficit into halftime, the Mamba appeared in trouble when Ottawa stretched its advantage to 82-66 early in the fourth quarter and later built a 13-point cushion at 85-72.
Instead, Saskatoon responded with its most complete stretch of basketball of the night.
The comeback started inside. Jaden Bediako delivered a series of momentum-changing plays around the rim, converting dunks, creating second-chance opportunities and getting to the free-throw line. Trey Townsend added timely scoring and a key three-pointer while Devonté Bandoo chipped in crucial free throws as the Mamba slowly cut into Ottawa’s lead.
With just over three minutes remaining, Ottawa still held a 94-91 edge after a Javonte Smart three-pointer. That’s when Saskatoon closed.
Tevian Jones calmly stepped to the line and knocked down all three free throws after being fouled beyond the arc, tying the game at 94-94. On the next decisive sequence, Ottawa missed at the basket, and Townsend converted a floating jumper to push the Mamba ahead 96-94 with 3:27 remaining. Saskatoon’s defence did the rest, securing the rebound after Ottawa’s final opportunity to complete the comeback victory.
The win capped a resilient performance after Ottawa controlled much of the middle portion of the game.
The BlackJacks outscored Saskatoon 36-22 in the second quarter and extended their lead further in the third behind the play of Smart, Matthew Cleveland and Justin Harmon. Ottawa led 76-64 entering the final 10 minutes and looked poised to leave Saskatchewan with a road victory.
But Saskatoon’s fourth-quarter surge changed everything.
After opening the game with a strong first quarter and carrying a 27-22 lead after 10 minutes, the Mamba showed they could win in a different way — by surviving adversity, tightening on defence, and executing late when every possession mattered.
Saskatoon improves after one of its most dramatic wins of the young season, while Ottawa leaves Merlis Belsher Place wondering how a double-digit fourth-quarter advantage slipped away.
The win improves the Mamba’s record to 5-5. Next action for Saskatoon is on Thursday when they travel to Niagara to take on the River Lions.