Claws Clip Ants At Home 117-112

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FORT WAYNE, IN. (WANE) - Despite 53 combine points from NBA assignees Miles Plumlee and Orlando Johnson, the Mad Ants couldn't avoid an 0-2 start to the season, falling to Maine 117-112.

The Red Claws punished the Ants on the glass, winning the rebounding battle 62-44, with a +18 margin on the offensive boards. All five starters were in double figures for Maine, including a 28-point, 15-rebound effort from Micah Downs and 18 points and 15 rebounds from Chris Wright. Former Butler star Shelvin Mack added 22.

The Ants only trailed by four at the half, but Maine stretched the lead to double figures by the early fourth quarter. Fort Wayne rallied, but never got any closer than three points down the stretch.

Veteran guard Ron Howard had his second straight productive night, scoring 24 points. The Mad Ants return to action on Wednesday when they host Canton at Memorial Coliseum.