The Go-Go came out early looking like they wanted to make a statement. They held the Bulls to 13 points in the first quarter on 31.2% from the field and turned them over eight times. They were clicking on the other end as well. This was a trend throughout most of the game as the Go-Go secured the victory in convincing fashion. This was the Go-Go’s second straight win and third consecutive at home. They were definitely the best version of themselves last night and the Bulls had no answers.
The three point shot was falling early and the Go-Go were not shy with their attempts. They led by 10 at the end of the first. The Bulls were able to make up ground in the second quarter. They turned up their defense and the basket started opening up on the other end. Windy City more than doubled their scoring output going from scoring 13 points in the first quarter to 29 points in the second quarter for a 42-40 lead going into halftime. The recently acquired London Perrantes, playing in his first game with the Go-Go had a heady play going into the half sneaking past the Bulls defense off a made basket to steal a layup right before the buzzer sounded. Overall the quarter was not good for the Go-Go. They had five turnovers in the period and only managed one assist. The Bulls had seemingly taken control of the game and looked to continue their dominance.
The Go-Go looked to be in trouble in the early parts of the third quarter but that changed quickly. The home team regained their defensive footing but what changed the course of the game was them heating up from beyond the arc. Jerian Grant started the onslaught with three straight three pointers en route to a game high 23 points and the floodgates were opened from there. The Bulls body language changed from confidence to concern as the rim seemed to widen for the Go-Go and they were not able to respond as they were smothered on the offensive end. Go-Go led 70-58 heading into the fourth quarter.
The GoGo did not let up in the final period. Everyone got in on the three point party and they maintained their defensive energy to coast to a 17 point win. The ball was moving effortlessly and their offensive execution was flawless. They ran the pick and roll to perfection leading to easy dunks and they made extra passes giving up good looks for great looks as the whole team was in rhythm. Once the GoGo got going, the Bulls looked completely helpless. The energy they had in the second quarter and early parts of the third had faded and the game turned into target practice. When the GoGo play like this they are hard to beat. Coach Richman hopes they can take this positive energy on the road where they have admittedly struggled this year. They are currently 2-9 away from the Entertainment and Sports Arena.
They will travel to Canton tomorrow to take on the Charge.
