After months of speculation as to whether a new pro squad could take root in this city, the Calgary Drillers put the myth to bed, albeit in a losing cause.
Playing on a hardwood court imported from the University of Miami, the new American Basketball Association franchise delighted about 300 fans lining the seats of the Corral with a highly entertaining, fast-paced ball game.
However, the Drillers came up short in their home opener, losing 114-104 to the Las Vegas Rattlers.
Hoping to improve on their 1-5 record, the Drillers played a strong game but faltered in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
With under two minutes left to play, Calgary lost its momentum when Rattlers forward Daryl Dorsey hit a three-pointer, which ultimately sealed the victory for Vegas.
After that, the Rattlers' defence shut down the Drillers, not allowing any buckets to drop from outside the key.
"It's very simple, we don't have the shooters on this team," said Drillers head coach Otis Hailey.
"We are definitely struggling in that department. We don't have any pure shooters and we might have to start looking for some.
"That's what happens when you have a new team like this, you don't get the cream of the crop."
Calgary forward Nate Driggers led his team with 20 points, while Lou Kelly of the Rattlers had 32 points in the win.
Las Vegas coach Todd Tripplet gave all the credit for his team's late fourth quarter comeback to Kelly.
"Lou Kelly played an outstanding game. He hit some very tough shots for us and also initiated the trap at the end of the game. He's the heart and soul of this team."
The two teams will hook up again tonight at the Corral. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
