Lightning Hold on for Bounce Back Win
Published on April 23, 2022 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
London Lightning News Release
(KITCHENER, ON) - On the second night of a road back-to-back, the London Lightning were able to hold on for a 106-103 victory over the KW Titans, in what many KW fans feel is becoming a budding rivalry between the two teams. London now improves to 16-4 on the season and 5-1 against the KW Titans. Not much of a rivalry.
London was undermanned again heading into tonight's game. Cam Forte (bereavement), Chris Jones (suspension) and Jordan Jensen-Whyte (hamstring) were all out again tonight while Mareik Isom (rest) and Jaylon Tate (knee) both sat this one out. Fortunately for London, All-Star big man, Amir Williams, returned to the court and was pivotal in helping slow down KW's front- court.
The Lightning would control much of the first half, outscoring the Titans by six and five points respectively in the first and second. London's 7-man rotation outhustled the well-rested Titans and looked like a completely different team than the prior night where they lost by 18 to the league's worst team.
London would go up by as many as 14 points in the second half before slowing giving up pressure. While being able to keep a lead on the Titans ranging from 7 to 11 points in the third quarter, London would watch their lead slowly disappear in the fourth, even going down by three late. Fortunately for London, newcomer Ryan Taylor would hit a huge three, putting them up one before several key defensive stops and free throws would seal the three-point victory for the Lightning.
Newcomer Ryan Taylor led the Lightning in just his second game, leading all scorers with 24 points on an impressive 6-10 shooting from deep. Canadians Terry Thomas (Player of the Game) and Jermaine Haley Jr. added 21 apiece on the night with each player contributing 5 assists. Big man Amir Williams added 15 points and 9 rebounds in his return from illness while Canadian Marcus Ottey almost posted a triple-double of 12 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists.
KW was led by Chad Frazier's 21 points on the night while "MVP" candidates Eric Ferguson and Joel Kindred struggled shooting the ball, going a combined 12 of 31 on the night for 19 and 14 points respectively. Youtuber, Jesse Jones, added 14 off the bench while the latest addition, Tyrrel Tate added 11.
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 April 23, 2022
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