Copeland’s 28 Points Helps Bandits Cruise to 100-74 Victory Over Surge
Zach Copeland poured in 28 points to lead the Vancouver Bandits (3-1) over the Calgary Surge (0-3) 100-74 on Saturday night.
Copeland continued his hot start for the Bandits, knocking down six shots from beyond the arc on 46 per cent shooting, and adding two rebounds and two seals in the win.
“That's the guy I recruited. I've been watching him for the last two years,” Bandits head coach Kyle Julius said when asked about Zach Copeland's game. “He's awesome. Zach is awesome.”
Guard Taze Moore and forward Nick Ward also made an impact in the game. Moore had 16 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and Ward had 18 points and four rebounds.
Despite the loss, Surge guard Sean Miller-Moore had a great game again for the Surge. Miller-Moore scored 21 points on 46 per cent shooting, grabbed five rebounds, and dished the ball for three assists.
Both teams were trading baskets to start the first quarter when Copeland caught fire, scoring 16 points and hitting four-of-five threes to help carve out Vancouver’s 28-25 lead to end the first quarter.
“I've pretty much been the underdog my whole life,” Copeland said when asked about his confidence on the court. “Late bloomer type, type player so I have supreme confidence in myself. A lot of people overlook me, so I keep that within myself and just have a killer instinct.”
Vancouver dominated throughout the second quarter and focused on attacking Calgary’s basket, outscoring them 30-16 in the paint. The Bandits shot 68 per cent from the field to end off the first half leading 54-42.
In the third quarter, Vancouver turned up the defence and held the Surge to just 14 points in the frame to take a 78-56 lead into the fourth.
“It's phenomenal. You know, they tried to pick on Sam three times and he got stops all three times,” head coach Kyle Julius said when asked about guard Sam Maillet’s defensive effort. “I just think he's an elite defender, even though he's basically still a student and we need that. It helps us, and the guys really like that and they see that and they appreciate that.”
Calgary couldn’t find an answer to Vancouver's offence as they fell 100-74.
What’s next for both teams?
The Bandits look to keep up their winning momentum as they take on the Edmonton Stingers this Tuesday. As for the Surge, they look to get their first win of the season when they host the Saskatchewan Rattlers this Wednesday.
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