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NBA Call-Up Candidate Ronald Roberts Jr. Lifts Raptors 905 Over Knicks

Though the Westchester Knicks had a balanced offensive effort from all, it wasn't enough to defeat Ronald Roberts Jr. and the Raptors 905.

By Chris Priczak
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Though both the Westchester Knicks and Raptors 905 were bringing losing steaks into Saturday's game, the 905 were set to give their home fans a treat. Not only were the fans at the Hershey Centre able to see the number two prospect in the D-League, Ronald Roberts Jr., but there were three new faces in their starting rotation. The Toronto Raptors, their NBA affiliate, assigned Anthony Bennett, Delon Wright, and Bruno Caboclo to the 905 before the start of the game.

Both teams were keeping up to par during the beginning of the game. As the Knicks fell behind, the team managed to go on a 7-0 run during the middle of the first quarter. A layup by Jordon Crawford tied up the score. Both the Knicks and Raptors 905 continued to battle at the start of the second quarter, but eventually the 905 started to take control. The 905 capped off the second quarter by scoring 32 points, which included a half court shot by Shannon Scott to end the first half.

Not only did the Raptors 905 shoot the ball well during the first half, but the team was efficient from the charity line (13-14). The team shot fifty percent from the field and connected on 6-11 shot from deep.

The Raptors 905 started to take over the game in the third quarter. Gani Lawal was ejected in the quarter following a rough play with Axel Toupane. While the guard was driving to the basket, Lawal grabbed the arms of Toupane, which resulted in him taking a hard fall. The Knicks scored 19 points in consecutive quarters, as Westchester's deficit fell 22 points after three quarters of action. While Westchester continued to struggle in the final quarter, the Raptors 905 continued to push their lead. Even though the Knicks outscored the 905 in the final minutes of the game, it was too late. The 905 defeated the Knicks 107-94. This was the Knicks fourth straight loss. In addition, Westchester is 1-5 in their last six games.

Ronald Roberts Jr.'s double-double (15 points and 12 rebounds) pushed the Raptors 905 to their first victory since December 20th.

Bruno Caboclo also posted a double-double (17 points and 10 rebounds). Delon Wright added in 20 points. Anthony Bennett tallied 19 points.

The duo of Travis Trice and Jimmer Fredette sparked Westchester's offense. Trice finished the game with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Fredette scored 17 points, along with seven rebounds. While the former BYU product is shooting forty-four percent from downtown this season, he had an off night, as he shot 1-8 from beyond the arc. Jordan Bachynski was two points short of a double- double, as the Knicks' center finished the game with eight points and ten rebounds.