(Saint John, NB):  The Saint John Mill Rats extended their playoff series with a convincing 128-107 win, and send it to a deciding Game 5 on Thursday.

After narrowly missing the opportunity to steal Game 3 in Charlottetown on Sunday, the Mill Rats wasted no time in taking care of business in Saint John. Facing elimination, Saint John came out of the tip off strong and built a 23-13 lead on a three pointer by Ricky Volcy.  The first quarter ended with the Mill Rats leading 31-25.

Ahead 50-46 late second quarter, the Mill Rats closed the half on a 9-0 run to lead 59-46 at the break including an Anthony Anderson triple to beat the buzzer.

In the third quarter, Saint John built an 82-57 lead at the 6:55 point on a score by Kenny Jones.  The Storm would come within 16, but Darin Mency drained a corner three pointer to beat the quarter buzzer while falling out of bounds to make the score 97-78 heading into the fourth.

The fourth quarter the Mill Rats poured it on which an emphatic two handed alley jam by Eric Crookshank, from Alex Johnson.  And a baseline one handed slam by Keith Cothran brought the fans to their feet in Harbour Station.  

"The guys came out with a great deal of energy and focus tonight," said Mill Rats Head Coach Julian King. "We showed again what we are capable of when we play hard and play as a team.  We will certainly need this energy again on Thursday night."

The Mill Rats now head to Charlottetown for a winner-take-all game on Thursday, March 12th at 7PM.  The winner advances to the Atlantic Division championship series against the Halifax Rainmen.

Saint John was led by Keith Cothran with 28 points, Ricky Volcy 17, Darin Mency 16, Alex Johnson 15, Anthony Anderson 13, Kenny Jones 12, and Raheem Singleton 10.  The Island's leading scorer was Rashad Whack with 25.