Bolts Finals-Bound After Sweeping Express
Published on May 20, 2022 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
London Lightning News Release
(WINDSOR, ON) - The London Lightning have completed the first-round sweep of the Windsor Express and are headed to the National Basketball League of Canada finals after defeating the Express 110-108 in game three at the WFCU Center in Windsor.
As per the two previous matchups in this series, the Lightning and Express were evenly matched in the first quarter as the Express would take a two-point lead after the first 12 minutes, 22-20.
The Express lead would reach double-digits early in the second before the Bolts were able to bounce back and narrow the gap to just one point by the halftime break.
While the third quarter started off well for the Bolts, Windsor quickly turned the tables and reached a game-high 12-point lead early, a lead they would hold more nearly the remainder of the game. Down four heading into the final quarter, London would hang around until Jordan Burns and Chris Jones would take things into their own hands. The dynamic backcourt duo combined for 17 of London's 33 fourth quarter points and made their impact felt on the defensive side of the ball as well. Consecutive jump shots by Jones and Burns put London up 108-105 with less than a minute to go before Nick Garth hit an and-1 layup and the free throw to tie the game up and 108 apiece. London would feed Amir Williams down in the low post and with 20 seconds left on the clock, the big man would hit the game winning shot after taking Tanner Stuckman to the bucket. Chaos would ensue on the final Windsor possession as the Bolts were able to force a turnover by Nick Garth and hold on for the narrow victory.
Jordan Burns was the top man for the Bolts, scoring 29 points while hitting 6 of 11 from deep while Amir Williams added another double-double to his season total with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Chris Jones added 18 off the bench to go along with 4 rebounds and 3 huge steals.
Canadians Jermaine Haley Jr (16 points) and Terry Thomas (15 points, 15 rebounds) also contributed impressively for the Bolts.
Nick Garth led all scorers with a game-high 35 points on 11 of 22 shooting. Dominating yet again was the larger than life William Claiborne who added a monster double-double of 24 points and 16 rebounds. Billy White added 14 points before unfortunately leaving the game with an injury and Akeem Ellis added 11 points off the bench.
The Lightning now awaits the winner of the Sudbury Five - KW Titans series and are expected to start the 2022 NBL Canada finals sometime next week.
Make sure to stay up to date with team news by following the Lightning on social media or through the team website at www.lightningbasketball.ca.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from May 20, 2022
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