Win keeps Mad Ants in the playoff hunt

With a 105-90 victory at Maine on Thursday, the Mad Ants climbed back to .500 and tied the Red Claws for third place in the NBA D-League’s East Division.

The Ants (20-20) pulled within 1 ½ games of Erie for the eighth and final playoff berth.

Guard Ron Howard hit 12 of 20 free throws, scored 26 points, had 8 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the Ants, who fell behind 32-20 after the first quarter, but held a 52-51 halftime lead on the Red Claws (21-21).

The Ants pulled away in the third quarter when they outscored Maine 28-13.

Tony Mitchell added 22 points, Anthony Richardson had 18, and Brandon Wallace had 17 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.

Forward Terrance Thomas, making his debut with the team, had 6 points and 11 rebounds.

Josh Selby led Maine with 31 points.