Red Claws fall to Erie

The Erie BayHawks won their third straight game Thursday night as five players scored in double figures to help down the Maine Red Claws, 118-105.

Erie (27-13) jumped out to an early lead behind Ivan Johnson’s 10 first quarter points to hold a six point lead at the end of the first frame. The BayHawks lead grew to just eight after a balanced second quarter to enter halftime up 56-48.

Nate Linhart lead a big Erie third quarter as he scored 11 of his 16 points to help Erie grow its lead to 14 points entering the final frame. Erie then put away the Red Claws in the fourth as their lead grew to as many as 18 points and they cruised to another home win to improve to 15-4 at Tullio Arena.

Johnson, the team’s leading scorer, once again was tops for Erie with 27 points. Blake Ahearn, who returned after missing three games, dropped in 18 points off the bench, and Linhart had the game’s only double-double as he grabbed 10 points to go along with his 16 points. Jermaine Beal added 17 for Erie and Erik Daniels notched 12 in his second game back with the team. Toronto center, Solomon Alabi, had eight points and six rebounds in his first game back on assignment.

Maine (14-27) was led by DeShawn Sims and Kenny Hayes who each scored 21, Jamar Smith added 17, Magnum Rolle notched 13 and Bamba Fall added 11.

Erie hits the road for their longest road trip of the season as they first head to Iowa to take on the conference leading Energy on Sunday. Maine returns home to face Fort Wayne on Sunday.

**D-LEAGUE COMMUNICATIONS**