The GoGo lost for the first time since returning from the G League Winter Showcase. They fell to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 128-126 on Friday evening. The game started off with promise but the Mad Ants rallied in the second half to secure the victory. The GoGo had made a habit of squeezing out tight games during the current home stand but they weren’t able to overcome a late rally from the Mad Ants.
Capital City started off the game much like their recent opponents have started against them. They were on fire in the first quarter and it looked like they were poised to run away with it. But Fort Wayne continuously chipped away for the rest of the game. The GoGo had a 37 point opening quarter and led by 13 points. In previous matchups they were the team that was slow getting out of the gate and clawing their way back. The tables were definitely turned in this contest.
After giving up 37 points in the first quarter, the Mad Ants turned up the dial defensively which caused the GoGo to get a little carless with the basketball. Walt Lemon Jr. (13 points} and Ben Moore (10 point) led Fort Wayne on the offensive end as they outscored the GoGo 28-26 in the second quarter. The Mad Ants took a 63-52 deficit into the locker room. They shot 47.8% from the field in the first half and failed to make a three point shot.
As mentioned before, the GoGo came out scorching hot in the first quarter. Phil Booth was really aggressive and looking for his shot. He finished the first half with 14 points. He made 3 three pointers in the half. He also had some tough finishes around the basket and was able to get to the line. Mike Cobbins picked up where he left off on Monday with a big first half. He had 18 points and five rebounds. Jalen Jones also added 10 points for the GoGo as they took an 11 point lead into to break.
The 3rd quarter was a back and forth affair. The GoGo continued to execute offensively and all five starters were in double figures in scoring. The Mad Ants kept pace as both teams scored 34 points in the period. Local product Tre Kelley scored six straight points for the Mad Ants during a key stretch when the GoGo looked like they were about to stretch the lead out. Capital City carried the 11 point lead into the 4th quarter.
In the final frame, the Mad Ants completely took over the game. They had a 42 point outburst while holding the GoGo to 29. Walt Lemon Jr. had 11 points in the quarter to finish with a team high 28. Mike Cobbins led all scorers with 29 and finished one rebound shy of a second consecutive double double. Four of the five starters for Capital City scored 20 or more points but they did not get much contribution from their bench. The Fort Wayne reserves outscored the home team backups 34-13 which heavily contributed to the comeback effort. It was a rare late game collapse for the GoGo as they have shown some toughness and resolve lately in closing out tight contests.
The GoGo will be right back at it tomorrow afternoon as they take on the Oklahoma City Blue. They will look to build on their recent success. Their performance yesterday was the inverse of their recent outings. They hadn’t been as offensively potent as they hoped but caused turnovers and got stops late in games to close out their opponents. This game they started out deadly from the field but did not take great care of the basketball down the stretch and could not get stops when they needed them. They will look to put together a complete 48 minutes and end their home stand with a win before they head out on the road.
