BLUECOATS FALL TO RED CLAWS ON DOZIER’S OT BUZZER-BEATER
February 23, 2019
MAINE ESCAPES WITH WIN DESPITE 22 BLUE COATS THREES
WILMINGTON – FEB 22, 2019 – The Delaware Blue Coats (16-21), the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, dropped an overtime thriller to the Maine Red Claws (15-23), 112-109, on a three-point buzzer-beater from Boston Celtics two-way contract player P.J. Dozier at 76ers Fieldhouse. The Blue Coats connected on 22 of 52 three-point attempts, which marked the fourth time this season that the team has made at least 20 three-point field goals.
76ers head coach Brett Brown was in attendance on 76ers Night, along with former Sixers Marc Jackson, Steve Mix and Tim Perry. 76ers television play-by-play broadcaster Marc Zumoff was the honorary pregame drummer.
Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown watches the game an NBA G-league regular season basketball game between the Delaware Blue Coats and the Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics) Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at the 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
Rashad Vaughn led the Blue Coats in scoring for the seventh time in the past 11 games with a game-high 23 points (8-22 fg, 6-15 3fg, 1-1 ft) in 36 minutes. Jared Brownridge and 76ers two-way contract player Haywood Highsmith each added 18 points for the home team. Brownridge (6-15 fg, 6-14 3fg) also dished out six assists in a team-high 38 minutes, while Highsmith (7-13 fg, 3-7 3fg, 1-2 ft) grabbed seven rebounds in 35 minutes.
Amir Johnson, on assignment from the 76ers, started for the Blue Coats and posted 15 points (7-12 fg, 1-2 3fg, 0-2 ft), seven rebounds and the team’s lone blocked shot in 27 minutes of action.
Delaware Bluecoats Center AMIR JOHNSON (99) grabs a rebound during an NBA G-league regular season basketball game between the Delaware Blue Coats and the Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics) Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at the 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
The Blue Coats led 62-50 at halftime. The team finished the third quarter on a 12-0 run to take a 92-82 lead into the fourth quarter before Maine outscored them 23-13 to force overtime.
Dozier finished with 20 points (8-20 fg, 3-6 3fg, 1-1 ft), 17 rebounds and six assists in a game-high tying 40 minutes for the visitors. Sheldon Jeter led the Red Claws in scoring, coming off the bench to post 22 points (8-11 fg, 6-9 3fg), seven rebounds and three blocks in 32 minutes.
Maine Red Claws Guard PJ DOZIER (35) celebrates with his teammates after hitting the winning shot in overtime Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at the 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington, DE. Photo Saquan Stimpson
The Blue Coats hit the road for the first time in six games on Wednesday when they visit the Long Island Nets at 7:00 p.m. The team returns home to 76ers Fieldhouse on Monday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.