London Takes Series and Heads to Finals
Published on March 9, 2012 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) News Release
(TORONTO, ON) In front of 3919 fans the London Lightning beat the Saint John Mill rats 87-82 in the second of a best-of-three semi-final round in the National Basketball League of Canada's inaugural championship playoffs.
"Great game, great night for the Lightning franchise, the owner, coaches, players and especially the city of London!" said John Kennedy, NBL Canada Commissioner.
This win advances the Lightning to the inaugural NBL Canada finals to face the winner of the Halifax-Quebec series, which begins this Sunday in Quebec.
The London-Saint John series saw past NBAers coach Micheal Ray Richardson from London and coach Jaren Jackson from Saint John go head-to head.
"I feel good about the win, but it was a great series. I think that it was a high level of basketball and our fans were unbelievable," said Micheal Ray Richardson, Head Coach of the London Lightning.
Leading the Lightning to their spot in the finals were Shamari Spears with 18 points and three-time NBL Canada Player of the Week Gabe Freeman who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
The Mill Rats were led by Jermaine Blackburn who recorded a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds and Anthony Anderson with 19 points.
"I'm disappointed of course but at the same time, thrilled that my guys played down to he end. I thought we played with a lot of class and professionalism and played some unselfish basketball," said Jaren Jackson, Head Coach of the Saint John Mill Rats.
Like I said to coach Richardson, it was a pleasure to scare them these past two games. It was a good run, that's what I'm happy about. Good quality play. "
The Lightning and the winners of the Halifax-Quebec series will face each other in a best-of-five final series, with the winner being named NBL Canada Champions.
The championship finals schedule will be announced next week. For ticket information please visit team websites or click the following links: London Lightning, Halifax Rainmen, Quebec Kebs, Saint John Mill Rats .
NBL Canada's successful first season will conclude with the League's inaugural All-Star weekend in Halifax March 31-April 1, presented by Rogers Communications Inc. For more information visit nblallstar.ca.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from March 9, 2012
- Mill Rats Battle But Season Ends in London - Saint John Riptide
- Lightning Win First Ever NBL Canada Series - London Lightning
- London Takes Series and Heads to Finals - NBL Canada
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