Power Slide Continues with 101-98 Loss in London

December 18, 2014 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Mississauga Power News Release


(London, ON -) The Power were not able to shake off the Lightning in this emotional 98-101 loss in London. Travis Releford had 34 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists while Marcus Capers chipped in with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Mississauga got out to a sluggish start by falling to a 6-0 deficit early in the game but found their way back by pressuring under the basket. Mississauga outscored London 12-8 and built up a 15-10 lead by the 5 minute mark. Forward Travis Releford was still hot from the last game and roared past the Lightning with 10 points in the frame, keeping London close with Lightning's tight 25-24 lead.

The second quarter saw Omar Strong go to work with his league leading shooting skills for nine points. Mississauga's perimeter shooting was on fire and guard Alex Johnson came off the bench and made an immediate impact with a wide open three. Strong remained perfect from downtown and made his fourth three to elevate the Power to a 45-34 lead. The Power's defence was on point and held London to 21 points while the Power took a 55-46 lead into half-time.

After a turnover from Releford, forward Marcus Capers set the record straight by blocking a London layup on a quick break. Capers followed up with a smooth drive that led the Power to a relaxed 58-48 lead. Mississauga's big men Mike Allison and Capers instrumentally held down the posts on defence and combined for 12 defensive rebounds. Mississauga sealed the deal with a two-on-one dish from Releford to a high flying Capers for a statement dunk that sent the Lightning into a time out while trailing Mississauga 60-48.

London went on a 13-4 streak and slowly caught up to the Power, only behind 70-63. The Lightning compiled consecutive fast breaks before the Power fought back with an offensive put back from forward Jaushay Rockett to slow down the Lightning threat. But the Lightning surged to knock on Mississauga's lead 80-76 at the close of the frame.

London tied the game two minutes into the final quarter. The Lightning went on a 7-1 run and took an 85-81 lead until guard Jordan Weidner hit a three off the bench to kick start a Power run to retake the lead at 88-86 points.

Superman Johnson stepped up to retie the game at 91 points and the squad followed that with a key defensive rebound from Weidner. Then Rockett contributed for a patient lay up in traffic to push the Power ahead 96-93.

The game was tied at 98 points with under a minute left, leading to the most unfortunate turn of events for the Power. An unnecessary foul sent London to the free throw line, making one of two free throws. Mississauga had a glimmer of hope to grab the missed second shot but was too strong on the rebound and threw the ball out of bounds. The Lightning had a three point lead with seconds left in the game for Mississauga's final possession of the game. The Power looked to Johnson to take the final shot and incredibly made a three pointer to tie the game, only for the refs to call a no-basket because time ran out. Mississauga went home with a 98-101 loss, extending their streak to four tough losses.

Mississauga will travel to Windsor for their final game of the year on Dec. 27 for a 7 p.m. tip-off against the Express.



National Basketball League of Canada Stories from December 18, 2014


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