Lightning Bounce Back Verses River Lions
Saturday, February 3, 2018 (LONDON, ON) – The London Lightning moved the ball and stepped up their defense to beat the Niagara River Lions 103-92.
Head coach, Keith Vassell, was pleased with the better defensive effort. "I thought that we played defense for a more consistent period of time. We gave up a lot of offensive rebounds but other than that I thought that we did a good job playing defense and making them have to work. We have to make a concerted effort to stay more focused and I think we are on the right track."
The Lightning racked up 33 assists on 39 field goals made, proof of the ball movement throughout the game. Garrett Williamson lead all scorers with 18 points along with eight assists and three rebounds. "I think we just took a little more pride in what we were doing tonight. Guys hate losing, you got a bunch of guys in here that are used to winning… The focus has been there, we just haven't pulled the wins together recently, so this was a good win for us."
Williamson has been one of the few consistent pieces for the Bolts all season long. He is a quite leader but a key member of the team. "I try to pick my spots, I don't try to over talk… if I see the team is in need of it I try to speak up if I see something. We needed some leadership, we had lost a couple in a row and its easy for the team to kind of divide, but we just stuck together and hung in tough. We know its about getting better this time of year, the playoffs are in April so its all about peaking towards those playoffs and getting our rhythm… we are on a mission to win a championship, so right now its just getting better as a unit and staying together throughout the course."
The Lightning had solid performances from everyone; Doug Herring Jr. added 17 points with eight assists and six rebounds, Julian Boyd added 15 points and Ryan Anderson recorded another double-double with ten points and ten assists.
The next London Lightning home game is Thursday, February 8th at seven P.M. against the Island Storm. Tickets are available at www.lightningbasketball.ca or the Budweiser Gardens Box Office.
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