First 3-game win streak
River Lions’ Saturday tickets available for $10
A funny thing has happened since the Niagara River Lions increased their Canadian content. The team hasn’t lost. The River Lions now feature a league record eight Canadians, and on Wednesday night at Meridian Centre the team capped off its first ever three-game win streak with an impressive 121-98 victory over the first place Halifax Hurricanes.
Two of those Canadians were key in the Lions latest win as Richard Amardi (Scarborough) drained 23 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for the games only double-double, while Tyler Murray (Toronto) — the team’s new starting guard — dished out six assists, scored four points, recorded four rebounds and two steals.
Murray has quietly become the River Lions leader on and off the court.
“I guess you could say I’m the quiet leader,” said a smiling, and always well-spoken, Murray.
“We’re playing up to our potential now. We have a group of guys that have bought in. Everybody, one through 12, is doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”
Niagara (14-25) opened a 33-24 first quarter lead and never looked back. The Hurricanes (27-12) entered the game as the top seed in the NBL Canada Atlantic Division standings.
Prior to the game River Lions head coach Keith Vassell said he liked the matchup against Halifax.
Vassell was right as the Lions led in every offensive and defensive category, including rebounds, assists, turnovers, blocked shots and steals.
“We did a great job taking them out of their rhythm,” said Vassel.
“We believe in each other now. When you’ve gone through the trenches like we have, and lost all those games where we had the lead, it put us in a situation where all we can do is fight.”
Carl Hall led Niagara with 25 points. Sam Muldrow scored 23 and added nine rebounds, while Kirk Williams Jr. scored 15 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter.
The River Lions close out their regular season Saturday night at home against the Orangeville A’s. A win Saturday combined with an Orangeville loss on Sunday in London will vault the Lions into the playoffs.
Murray’s message for his team and the fans is simple going into Saturday’s game.
“We just have to continue doing what we’re doing,” said Murray. “We can’t settle for what the other team wants to give us.
“And for the fans, it’s going to be another good one. We’re facing the team we’re in competition with the for last playoff spot. Be here, it’s going to be a great game.
“What else you do you want? It’s a great story at the very least,” added Vassell.
Lion Pride: All eight Canadians on the River Lions played in Wednesday’s win … Niagara shot 51 per cent from the field … Kirk Williams Jr. will sit out Saturday’s game after accumulating six technical and unsporting fouls on the season … Antoine Mason led Halifax and the floor with 28 points including six three-pointers … Saturday’s game is Fan Appreciation Night and the River Lions are offering $10 tickets.