For the fifth time in the history of the National Basketball League the London Lightning are champions. The Lightning have secured five out of nine of the championships awarded in NBLC history.
The Lightning defeated the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans 97-96 completing their sweep of the finals.
Terry Thomas led London finishing with 25 points, and 8 rebounds, Amir Williams chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds.
The Lightnings 3 point shooting was a key contributor to their success during the game as they shot 40.9% from behind the arc.
London came out hot early finishing the first quarter with a 31-14 lead. During the first London shot 52% from the field while holding the KW Titans to 26.3%
The Titans were able to shrink London’s lead entering the half but the Lightning still led 52-43.
The Third quarter was a back and forth battle, but London was able to maintain their lead entering into the fourth 81-69.
In the fourth quarter the games speed picked up, and you could feel the energy in the arena. London had led by as much as 21 points, but with 4:36 to go in the game the Titans continued to chip into London’s lead bringing the game to 90-87. With 3:34 left in the game the Titans tied the game 92-92, and it was a battle down to the final buzzer.
With 2:55 to go in the game the KW Titans had secured their first lead of the game up 1. Right down the the final wire the Lightning competed. With 0.7 seconds left in the game Kitchener-
Waterloo’s Jabari Craig was sent to the free throw line with a chance to tie the game and send it to overtime.
Craig was unable to hit both free throws, but he brought the game ever closer 97-96. 0.4 Seconds left in the NBLC season and the KW Titans had a chance to inbound the ball one last time for the win.
A failed ally-oop attempt and it was all over 97-96 the London Lighting were crowned champions.
After the game Canadian Terry Thomas was crowned Finals MVP.
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