SkyHawks put up a good fight against 2x champs London Lightning
December 4, 2013 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Ottawa SkyHawks News Release
Tensions ran high tonight as the SkyHawks welcomed the number one team in the NBL, the London Lightning to their home turf. The last time these two teams clashed heads was earlier in November back at the Budweiser Gardens where Ottawa's SkyHawks lost to the lightning in what was a clutch game for both teams.
SkyHawks forward, Tirrell Baines, had this to say about their previous face off "We were up by 1 in the closing seconds; we did not execute and that cost us the game. We learn and grow, it's still early in the season. "
The SkyHawks came tonight looking to finish what they started in London earlier in November. As the first quarter got under way, the Hawks made sure to start right with a succession of buckets following tip off putting them at a ten point lead at earlier in the quarter.
As the first ends, the Hawks couldn't manage to keep their lead they worked so hard for earlier in the quarter. The Hawks finish the first quarter at 22 to 23 for the Lightning
With the second quarter well under way, the Hawks not only have steadily lost the lead but are letting the lightning sink in one too many buckets. From a tight 22-23 for the Lightning going into the second, to 40-49, the Hawks managed to fall back to a steady eight to nine points going into halftime.
Jermaine Johnson lead Ottawa's SkyHawks at the half with nine points, and a total of 6 rebounds followed by Tirrell Banies with seven points and three rebounds and Jerice Crouch not far behind at seven points and two rebounds.
Marvin Phillips of the Lightning paved way for his team with a solid 18 points and four rebounds. Shortly behind Marvin is Garrett Williamson with 13 points and 2 rebounds.
It's evident by the score the Lightning have been making the most of each possession while the Hawks needed to keep their seven turnovers from growing anymore if they wanted to gain the lead and more importantly, win going into the second half.
The SkyHawks spent the entirety of the third quarter trying to minimize the gap between them and the Lightning. From seven to ten turnovers, it was clear the Hawks were getting sluggish as the Lightning also kept their lead.
Lightning's Garret Williamson and Marvin Phillips danced circles around the Hawks with 24 points and 20 respectively.
With the last quarter in full swing, the SkyHawks maintained a steady nine point deficit for the first half of the quarter. Two minutes left in the fourth and the Hawks were down 11 but fought to shrink that down to only four points.
The crowd of 570 that was roaring all game, held their breath silently in their seats in the last moments of the game as the skyHawks valiantly fought the Lightning which finished the game at 105-100.
When asked about his thoughts on the loss, Justin Tubbs had this to say"I don't like to lose. We did things right on the court to win the game. We just have a few things to clear up .. we're ready to come back tomorrow to play".
Coach Jackson, "we gave the first place team a good scare, next time we're going to beat them".
The good news for fans is that as part of "Win Win Wednesday" everyone in attendance will receive a free ticket to another game.
Win Win Wednesday: If the SkyHawks don't win on the court, fans still win with a free ticket to a future game.
Today's stats between London Lightning and Ottawa SkyHawks
Wednesday, December 4th, 2013
Opponent: London Lightning
Arena: Canadian Tire Centre
Final Score: Ottawa 100, London 105
Ottawa's Record: 6-6
London's Record: 8-2
Leading Ottawa Scorers: Jermain Johnson (#5) with 20 points, Fred Sturdivant (#4) with16 points
Leading London scorers: Garrett Williamson (15) with 28 points
Leading Ottawa rebounders: Jermain Johnson (#5) with 14 rebounds, Fred Sturdivant (#4) with 12 rebounds
Leading London rebounders: Jason Forte (8) with 11, Elvin Mims (4) with 8
Last match up between London Lightning and Ottawa SkyHawks
Saturday November 9, 2013
Opponent: London Lightning
Arena: Budweiser Gardens, London Ontario
Final Score: Ottawa 97 , London 98
Ottawa's Record: 1-2
London's Record: 1-2
Leading Ottawa Scorers: Jermaine Johnson and Justin Tubbs both scored 21 points each
Leading London scorers: Garrett Williamson with 24 points
Leading Ottawa rebounders: Jermaine Johnson with 15 rebounds
Leading London rebounders: Marvin Phillips with 11 rebounds
Next home games at Canadian Tire Centre TOMORROW:
Thursday, December 5th, 2013 @7:30 against Brampton A's
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from December 4, 2013
- Express Overwhelm Power - Windsor Express
- SkyHawks put up a good fight against 2x champs London Lightning - Ottawa SkyHawks
- Express Pull Plug on Power - Mississauga Power
- Moncton Miracles Announce 2 New Signings - Moncton Miracles
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