By K.Z. LEVINS KY
Special to the Journal Tribune
PORTLAND — The Maine Red Claws (26-15) cruised to their fifth straight win on Thursday night, defeating the Erie Bayhawks 111-95. At home after two successful road games, it was Maine’s 13th victory in their last 16 contests. The Red Claws led 50-47 at halftime and pulled away in the second half.
The Red Claws were led by 6-foot-7 rookie forward Coty Clarke, who was back in Maine after signing a 10-day contract with the Boston Celtics. Clark, who has yet to play for Boston, led the Red Claws with 18 points, and also contributed five rebounds and two assists in just 19 minutes. He missed only one of his seven shots from the floor, made both of his 3-point attempts, and was a perfect 4-of-4 from the foul line.
On the season Clarke is averaging 16.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He is shooting an impressive 51 percent from the floor, 80 percent from the foul line and 40 percent from 3-point land while playing 26 minutes per game.
Maine returns to the court tonight to host the Grand Rapids Drive (18-22). The Detroit Piston affiliate will play Maine this evening at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday at 1 p.m. Maine is an improving 12-8 at home, whereas Grand Rapids, losers of their last 3 games, is just 6-13 on the road.
The Red Claws occupy first place in the five team Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, leading second place Westchester by 3 games. Each of the four division winners in the 19-team league, and four wild-card teams with the next best records regardless of division, will qualify for the playoffs which begin on April 5. Each team plays 50 games during the regular season which ends on April 2.
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