Lightning One Win Away from Sixth Title
May 24, 2023 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
London Lightning News Release
(WINDSOR, ON) - The London Lightning are one win away from being crowned the 2023 National Basketball League of Canada Champions for the second consecutive time and sixth time overall after defeating the Windsor Express 112-107 in Game Three of their best-of-five series.
Heading to Windsor after splitting Games One and Two at home, both the London Lightning and Windsor Express had eyes on a 2-1 series lead Tuesday night. With a Game Four already guaranteed for Thursday night, neither team wanted to put themselves into a must-win situation heading into Game Four.
Bolstered by a home-court advantage, the Windsor Express jumped out early on the Lightning with energy and urgency, going on a 12-2 run midway through the first quarter to take an impressive 32-24 lead after 12 minutes. Former MVP Billy White and reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Jamyrin Jackson, combined for 17 of Windsor's 34 in the quarter.
Windsor would expand their first half lead to as many as 12 points in the first half before a London rally, led by Terry Thomas Jr's perfect quarter (10 points on 4-4 shooting including 2-2 from beyond the arc), would narrow the gap. Heading into the halftime break, the Lightning had chipped the Windsor lead to just four points.
Enter: Jermaine Haley Jr. After struggling throughout the first half of action, the 6'7 Canadian would try his hand at a perfect quarter by scoring 11 points on 3-3 shooting from the field, including 1-1 from deep, and 4-4 from the free throw line. As a team, London would explode for 35 third quarter points while also locking Windsor down defensively, allowing just 18 points.
With 12 minutes left in the game and facing a 13 point deficit, the Windsor Express would make a game of it in the fourth as they fought to keep their season alive and avoid a 2-1 hole. The Dynamic scoring duo of Jamyrin Jackson and Latin Davis would shoulder the scoring load for Windsor, combining for 22 of Windsor's 33 in the quarter. After the Lightning lead was cut to just one point on Justin Moss layup, Mareik Isom would step up and hit two big free throws giving London the 110-107 lead with just 14 seconds remaining. With the game on the line and looking to tie the score, Billy White would dribble the ball off his leg and seal the victory for London.
Last season's Finals MVP, Terry Thomas Jr, enjoyed his best game of the Playoffs by leading the Bolts with a double-double of 28 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (all game highs). Despite bleeding profusely after an elbow to the head, Jeremiah Mordi continued his strong play with 26 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot. Jermaine Haley Jr was the third Bolt to score over 20 points on the night by adding 23 of his own with 5 rebounds and 3 assists while fellow Canadian; Mike Nuga added 15 points and 7 rebounds in the win.
The big three of Billy White, Jamayrin Jackson, and Latin Davis led the way for Windsor as all three players scored 25 or more points. Jackson's 30 points was a game-high on the night.
Despite his late game fumble, Billy White had an impressive game adding 12 rebounds to compliment his 27 points. Rounding out the scoring for the Express was Justin Moss with 15 points.
Make sure to stay up to date with team news by following the team on social media or through the team website at www.lightningbasketball.ca.
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National Basketball League of Canada Stories from May 24, 2023
- Lightning One Win Away from Sixth Title - London Lightning
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