Cruise Claim First Playoff Win In Franchise History With 120-105 Victory Over Raptors 905

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — The Motor City Cruise made franchise history Tuesday night, earning their first playoff victory with a 120-105 win over Raptors 905 at Paramount Fine Foods Centre.

In the midst of the organization’s fifth anniversary season, the Cruise delivered a statement performance, using a dominant second quarter and a strong closing stretch to pull away and secure the milestone win.

Wendell Moore Jr. led Motor City with 27 points and seven rebounds, pacing a balanced offensive attack that saw six players score in double figures. Chaz Lanier added 20 points, while Drew Peterson finished with 19 points, six rebounds and a career-high four blocks, anchoring the defensive effort.

Raptors 905 kept pace throughout the opening half, fueled by strong guard play and efficient scoring inside. Jarkel Joiner led the way with 22 points, while AJ Hoggard provided a spark off the bench with 23 points and seven assists. Trayce Jackson-Davis added 18 points and eight rebounds, helping 905 stay within striking distance for much of the night.

After trailing 24-22 at the end of the first quarter, the Cruise flipped the game in the second behind a decisive run. With the score tied at 48, Motor City closed the half on a 10-4 burst, highlighted by a Jaden Akins dunk and strong interior play from Isaac Jones, to take a 58-52 lead into halftime.

Motor City maintained control in the third quarter, where Makhi Mitchell delivered key minutes off the bench as Isaac Jones dealt with foul trouble. Mitchell finished with four points, four rebounds and two blocks in 13 minutes, helping anchor the defense during a stretch that kept Raptors 905 at bay despite multiple scoring pushes.

Raptors 905 continued to battle in the second half, cutting into the deficit behind timely scoring runs, but the Cruise responded each time. Motor City created separation for good in the fourth quarter, opening on a run that pushed the lead into double digits and eventually as large as 17. The Cruise outscored Raptors 905 34-26 in the final frame to seal the victory.

John Ukomadu added 15 points, while Jones totaled 13 points and seven rebounds for the Cruise, who shot 44 percent from the field and converted 28-of-31 free throws (90.3 percent).

Motor City’s defensive presence proved to be the difference, as the Cruise recorded 10 blocks and forced 18 turnovers, turning them into 28 points.

With the win, the Cruise not only advance in the postseason, but also secure the first playoff victory in franchise history—another defining moment in a season that continues to build on the organization’s growing legacy.

The Cruise will return to action Friday, taking on the winner of the matchup between the Osceola Magic and Long Island Nets, who face off tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET.