SkyHawks Beat Two-Time Champs London Lightning
January 22, 2014 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Ottawa SkyHawks News Release
The London Lightning hosted the Ottawa SkyHawks Wednesday evening in what was the make-up match for a missed November 24th game due to inclement weather.
Ottawa's first bucket was the sign of things to come as Ryan Anderson set up a lob for Justin Tubbs who then threw it down with emphasis. Each team closed with a strong first quarter with Ottawa sitting at 21 and London 25.
Matching buckets for buckets, the SkyHawks fought tirelessly against the Lightning until the last two minutes of the first half where they snapped the Lightning's trail and jumped into the second half with a double digit lead of 12 points. Ottawa sat at 49 and London at 37.
Leading the SkyHawks was one Justin Tubbs with 13 points sinking 3 of 4 three-pointers. Jamie Vanderbeken worked his magic on the boards leading the team with 6 rebounds and also the second highest points at 9 going into second half.
From one exciting quarter to another, the SkyHawks owned the third quarter as they firmly kept their lead against the Lightning. For the second time, around the two minute mark, the SkyHawks blitzed as they went on a 3-point shooting spree with four different SkyHawks each sinking a bucket from downtown, back-to-back. The SkyHawks successfully closed the third quarter with a 12 point lead at 74-62.
Playing the last quarter all the way through with a consistent lead of at least 16 points, the SkyHawks upset the NBL Canada champs with an impressive win of 107-89. Wednesday night's win was attributed to a stellar 3-point shooting per cent of 55.17 and field goal per cent of 50.
Coach Jackson was more than satisfied with his team's performance tonight, acknowledging the team effort. "Great team win tonight. We had seven players in double figures, eight huge rebounds, by Jamie, Tubbs played some great ball, while Mike Rose and Fred stepped up off the bench.
Merrick Palmer added praise as he stated, "Tonight's game was the best team effort of the year against one of the top teams in the League. The SkyHawks displayed great ball movement which translated into open shots for our shooters. The defence we played tonight was a result of long hours of film and brutal practice. We hope to build on this type of victory to propel us deep into the playoffs."
Justin Tubbs led the SkyHawks to victory with 22 points followed by Jamie Vanderbeken at 15. Worth noting was Ryan Anderson, and although not having lived up to his season average, he did secure himself a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Video Highlights here: http://sportslive24.net/highlight/ottvslon-game-highlights-12214/
Today's stats between London Lightning and Ottawa SkyHawks
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014
Opponent: London Lightning
Arena: Budweiser Gardens
Final Score: Ottawa, London 107-89
Leading Ottawa scorers: Justin Tubbs with 22 points
Leading London scorers: Greg Surmacz with 18 points
Leading Ottawa rebounders: Ryan Anderson with 10 rebounds
Leading London rebounders: Marvin Phillips with 8 rebounds
Ottawa Standing: 14-14
London Standing: 18-10
Next Home Game:
Thursday January 23rd against the Brampton A's @ the Canadian Tire Center at 7:00 pm
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from January 22, 2014
- SkyHawks Beat Two-Time Champs London Lightning - Ottawa SkyHawks
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