Lightning Take Series Lead in NBL Finals

Tuesday, May 14, 2018 (LONDON, ON) –  The London Lightning have taken a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven NBL Finals with a 110-102 win over the Halifax Hurricanes in game five.

Head coach, Keith Vassell, knows it was important to win the last game of the season at home. "We stayed in control of the game even when it wasn't going well. We are very confident going back out there, we have to win one, they have to win two… the pressure is on them at home. We have seen each other five times, there aren't a lot of adjustments left to be made… now it all comes down to heart and we have an abundance of that."

Doug Herring Jr. lead the Lightning with 27 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Herring Jr. knows how important it was to protect home court and return to Halifax with the lead. "It was big game… a must win for us as our last game at home. Now we have two days to regroup and we gotta win one on the road. We were able to come home, we got a nice rhythm going, we were still focused on defense and now we have to bring that same energy and intensity and put the ball in the basket on the road."

Julian Boyd continued his strong playoff play with 22 points (four of six from three) and nine rebounds. Joel Friesen-Latty had his best performance of the playoffs adding 18 points (three of four from three). Garrett Williamson notched another double-double with 12 points and ten assists along with seven rebounds. Kyle Johnson chipped in 15.

The NBL Finals return to Halifax for games six and if necessary, seven this Thursday, May 17 and Friday, May 18 both at 6:00 P.M. EDT. For all updates and to watch live visit www.lightningbasketball.ca.

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