Lightning Drop Game One
April 4, 2019 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
London Lightning News Release
(LONDON, ON) The London Lightning played a close game up until the fourth quarter where KW took the lead made it a big one stretching the game until until the final buzzer, handing the Lightning a 119 to 95. The Titans flipped the script from three in the second half which was the catalyst for their win and the large lead to finish the game.
Both teams came out with energy going up and down the court at full pace to get out on the fast break and capitalize on the opposing defenses getting back late. The Lightning did not shoot well from field only making 39.8% and even worse from three only shooting 19%. They were able to keep in the game through the third but their shooting fell off when the Titans got hot. London shot 5 of 18 from the field in the forth, where the Titans shot 10 of 19, going 6 of 8 from three, and 10 of 11 from the free throw line. The Lightning will need to capitilze on their scoring opportunities more as well as preventing KW from getting to many open looks on the perimeter.
The offence struggled in this first playoff game but there were still some bright spots reaching double figures. Garrett Williamson was able to get to the basket strong earning his 22 points, after came AJ Gaines with 18, Marvin Phillips with 13, and Mo Bolden with 10. Williamson was the go to on offence which shows in his point totals but he was efficient from the floor going 8 for 15 and also shooting 5 of 6 from the charity stripe. Garrett commented on the game tonight stating " we didn't locate shooters well enough in transition, they do a good job of sharing the ball and pushing the tempo, and we have to really capitalize on the opportunites we have especially at the rim."
Head Coach Elliott Etherington spoke about the way the game finishing out and how the team played saying " We didn't move the ball... and defensively we gave them drive lanes and the ability to kick and find the open man and play off that and it is what they are good at." The Titans were able to play their style of basketball at a high rate and efficiency in the second half. Moving forward in the series the Lightning will need to force them to make tough shots on the perimeter or drive to the paint and bang inside with the Bolts tough defenders.
The Lightning are looking for game two of this first round playoff series on Tuesday night so they can redeem themselves and bring it back to a tie. Game 2 is set for April 9th, this upcoming Tuesday with tip- off set for 7:00 PM EST. For tickets to those playoff games visit the Budweiser Gardens Box Office or go to www.lightningbasketball.ca.
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