Lightning Continue Winning Ways
March 7, 2019 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
London Lightning News Release
(LONDON, ON) The London Lightning pulled out another victory after they won against the Halifax Hurricanes 100 to 99. The team looked okay but they did not come out with the same energy they have previously had in recent games. They were able to get a strong lead in the first half but the Hurricanes came firing back in the third to make it a close game. That lasted all the way until the final buzzer where the game was one free throw away from being tied with .3 seconds on the clock. The Lightning notch a narrow win and it comes even sweeter against their long time rivals in Halifax.
London was able to mostly play their brand of basketball again tonight but not to the same effect. They did not have the same energy they have had and their was more isolations and post-ups rather than ball movement. It was still there, just not as prevalent. They were able to collect 24 assists for the game and nail 10 threes on 37% shooting on the game as well as forcing 11 turnovers and capitalizing on them for 19 points. The Lightning defense was strong on the perimeter keeping the Hurricanes to a 27% shooting percentage from three as well are causing the aforementioned turnovers. The Lightning will need to pick up their energy heading into the road trip to keep this streak going and the wins coming.
The Lightning had a harder time scoring tonight but they did have some strong showings on the team. They had five players on the team scoring in double digits with Xavier Moon leading the team with 21, Mo Bolden second with 18, Kirk Williams Jr 16, Marvin Phillips 14, and AJ Gaines Jr finishing it off with 12. Xavier Moon was the top player for the night with the previously mentioned 21 points on his 9 of 15 shooting along with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Kirk Williams Jr was a boost of energy the Lightning needed off the bench with 16 points on 6 of 10 shooting and tallying 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
Xavier Moon spoke about his role since coming back from injury being changed to coming off the bench and how it came about, "I didn't have a problem with [coming off the bench] , [Coach Etherington] told me I like you energy off the bench... I feel like I am better, I get to see the game and get a feel for it and I can come in and add extra pace to it." Xavier has adjusted well to his bench role and comes in with his excellent speed to push the tempo up and drive towards the opposing defense. He has helped add scoring off the bench as well and has done so in clutch moments for the Bolts.
The Lightning will head out on the road for their upcoming games, first coming against Windsor on March 13th , a Wednesday night. The next home game for London will be their last coming on Sunday March 31st against the Express. For tickets to their final game, visit the Budweiser Gardens Box Office or go to www.lightningbasketball.ca.
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National Basketball League of Canada Stories from March 7, 2019
- Lightning Continue Winning Ways - London Lightning
- Hurricanes Snap out of Funk But Still Fall to Lightning After 20-Point Comeback - Halifax Hurricanes
- Edge Sign Tra-Deon Hollins as Inactive Reserve Designate for Obinna Oleka - St. John's Edge
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