The Indiana Mad Ants returned home Tuesday afternoon and edged the Maine Celtics 118-115 in a hard-fought contest to kick off their six-game homestand. Career performances from first-year pros Enrique Freeman and RayJ Dennis, along with a strong showing from Quenton Jackson, propelled Indiana to victory.
The Mad Ants jumped out to an early 13-4 lead, with Freeman’s high-flying dunks and Dennis’s playmaking setting the tone. Indiana held a 61-48 advantage at halftime, with Freeman scoring a game-high 20 points in the first half. The Celtics surged back in the third quarter, taking a narrow 90-89 lead heading into the fourth.
Jackson, a two-way player, sparked the Mad Ants in the final frame, scoring key baskets down the stretch. With under two minutes remaining, Freeman converted an and-one play to tie the game at 112-112. Jackson followed with consecutive clutch layups, including a critical and-one to put Indiana ahead 117-112 with 15 seconds left. After a late defensive stop and free throw from Freeman, Indiana secured the win.
The Mad Ants improved to 4-2 in the regular season (11-11 overall) and will continue their homestand next week.
