London lights up R’ Lions to close 2017
When a basketball team shoots almost 60 per cent from the field it usually doesn’t bode well for their opponents.
Such was the case Saturday night in London, Ont., where the defending National Basketball League of Canada champion Lightning struck down the Niagara River Lions 119-102 for their fifth straight win.
London shot 59.2 per cent from the field, including 14-for-28 from beyond the three-point arc as the River Lions fell to 7-7 on the season.
“I thought we got their best, that’s for sure,” said Lions head coach Joe Raso. “When a team shoots 60 per cent you’ve, got to look at it twofold: are they shooting because they’re really, really, good, or are they shooting because we’re letting them shoot?
“That number is an incredible number, and I think we had something to do with that.”
Marvell Waithe led Niagara with 28 points, but Ryan Anderson was the story for London draining 31, including 27 points from beyond the arc.
Anderson was 9-for-16 on threepointers.
“In some cases, it was terrific shooting, and in some cases it was horrific defence,” Raso said. “He’s (Anderson) a pro and took advantage
of our defensive mistakes.
“There’s no question that was a slap in the face to us.”
Guillaume Boucard recorded a double-double for the River Lions in the loss, 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lions finish their season high seven-game road trip with a 3-4 record.
“We played good teams, and I think we had a tough schedule, but I’m not happy,” Raso said. “My level of where we should be is higher than this.”
Niagara will play 10 games in January, including five at home as they open 2018 at Meridian Centre Wednesday in a rematch against the Lightning. Game time is 7 p.m.
Asked for his New Year’s resolution, Raso offered this: “We have to get better, and we have to work harder.
“We have to get our confidence back.”
Lion Pride: Raso emptied his bench late … Niagara’s Sam Muldrow was in foul trouble all night long, and played only 23 minutes while scoring four points … Doug Herring Jr. had 11 assists for the Lightning who improved to 7-5 with the victory … Fans are encouraged to wear pink Wednesday night at Meridian Centre with the Paint the Court Pink game against London supporting research into breast cancer.