Lightning & Magic Need Double Overtime to Settle First Meeting of the Season.
Saturday, January 13, 2018 (London, ON) – The London Lightning and the Moncton Magic met for the first time this season and recorded the most points scored between two teams with 293 total points. They needed double over time to settle the game and the Lightning came away with a 147-146 win, extending their winning-streak to ten games.
Head Coach, Keith Vassell, knew it would be a battle of two veteran teams, "I think Moncton has a fantastic team. They made some big plays, their bench scored 81 points, more than half their points. They were prepared for us and it came down to whoever wanted it more. It was a team effort, you have Doug showing why he is one of the best point guards with 21 assists, Ryan knocked down big shots, Mo stepped up and ended with 16 rebounds. I was very pleased with the fact that we did all the things we needed to do to get the win."
Doug Herring Jr. broke the NBL- C record for assists in a game dropping 21 dimes along with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals. "I came close last year, it's an amazing feeling to do it [break the record], especially with the way we played, and to do it on a win. They have a veteran team, the same way we have a veteran team. They made runs, we made runs. It was a battle, just the way the game should be played." Since returning to the Lightning in late December, Herring Jr. has impacted every game. "Everyone feels comfortable that I am going to make the right decision and get guys in their spots. It let's everyone else do what they are good at. It's just about being a leader and make sure we stay composed and maximize every possession."
Royce White had another dominate performance scoring 46 points (10 for 13 from the free throw line, shooting 58% from the field), 14 rebounds along with five assists and three steals. The Lightning had everyone filling the stats tonight. Ryan Anderson recorded 27 points, 11 rebounds with eight assists, Mo Bolden added 17 points while grabbing 16 rebounds, Garrett Williamson chipped in 24 points and Kirk Williams Jr. went three for five from the three-point line to add 19.
The next Lightning home game is this Wednesday, January 17th at seven PM against the St. John's Edge. The Lightning look to even the season series at 2 wins a piece. Tip off is set for 7 PM at Budweiser Gardens on Wednesday. Tickets are available at www.lightningbasketball.ca or the Budweiser Gardens Box Office.
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