Lightning Win 2017 NBLC Championship

The 2016-17 London Lightning capped off an incredible NBL Canada season on Monday with a win  — the most important of the 46 wins they amassed this season.

The London Lightning were crowned 2016-17 NBLC Champions Monday after beating the Halifax Hurricanes 129 - 116 in Game 6 of the NBLC Finals at Budweiser Gardens.

London came back to their home arena after a three-game stint in Halifax looking sharp. They dominated the early proceedings, grabbing an 11-point lead halfway through the first quarter. Despite a few issues in the second quarter, they still managed to outscore the Hurricanes 33-26 in the frame and take a 69-51 advantage at half.

The third quarter was a little shaky for the Bolts, who lost concentration in what was the biggest game in the season. Halifax managed to bring London's lead to just seven by the start of the fourth. London had more then enough gas left in the tank. After a pair of clutch threes from Kyle Johnson and Ryan Anderson, the Lightning capped off the greatest season in NBLC history as 2016-17 Champions.

Royce White led the Lightning with 34 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists. Ryan Anderson also came up big, scoring 23 points, shooting 60% beyond the arc.

"This season was a 10 out of 10 from a coaching standpoint. I grew so much because we had so many unique things happen. When you're supposed to win every night, because you're a favorite, is an incredible stress," Coach Kyle Julius said. "I really felt like a grew and made sure the guys got better every day, and I think we did that. That makes it really special."

After the game, Commissioner David Magley presented Ryan Anderson with the NBLC Finals MVP trophy. Avergaed 16 points per game in the Finals, including a 33 point effort in Game 3, while also playing lockdown defence.

"Not only was [my dream] able to happen, but I was able to be part of the best team in the history of this league… It was special," Ryan Anderson said.

This is the Lightning's third NBL Canada title with the first two coming in the first two seasons of the League: 2011/12 and 2012/13. London are now 3-4 in NBLC Finals appearances, dropping last year's Finals to the Hurricanes in heartbreaking fashion.

More info to come.