‘As a coach you can’t ask for more’
There were times when Joe Raso was disappointed. There were times when Joe Raso was frustrated.
Friday night at Meridian Centre Joe Raso was satisfied.
The first-year head coach of the Niagara River Lions was satisfied that his team just gave it their all in a season-ending 106-99 loss to the London Lightning in front 2,609 vociferous fans.
The Lightning, who came in as the top seed, took the best-of-five series three games to one over the fourth-ranked River Lions.
“As a coach you can’t ask for more,” Raso said. “Play as hard as you can, buy in, believe in what we’re doing and they (the players) did.”
The Lions came out the gates roaring, opening a 21-10 firstquarter lead, but then missed some open layups as the Lightning stormed back to take a 26-25 lead heading into the second quarter.
London led 51-44 at the half, and would in fact increase that lead to 13 points midway through the fourth quarter, but each time the Lions would claw back as the Lightning lead quickly evaporated to just three points with two minutes left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
However, the visitors’ depth and size prevailed down the stretch as London out-rebounded Niagara 65-51 overall, advancing to the National Basketball League of Canada Central Division final against the St. John’s Edge.
Guillaume Boucard led the Lions in scoring with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Jaylon Tate also recorded a doubledouble, 11 points and 11 assists.
Royce White once again paced the Lightning with 24 points and 15 rebounds but it was Mo Bolden’s 19 boards, including 17 on the defensive end, that really stood out.
“The game ended on a couple of bounces here or there, things that you can deal with,” said Raso.
“They did a great job on the boards, but we didn’t lose because of something technical — it was just a couple of bounces.
“We’re giving up a pile of age and experience there, but we didn’t give up without a fight, and that’s the part I’m really proud of. It was rewarding and enjoyable.”
Raso went on to praise the play of recently named NBLC rookie of the year Jaylon Tate, the arrival of former NBAer Kris Joseph, of fellow Montreal native Guillaume Boucard, and Devonta Pollard’s play down the stretch as some of his season highlights.
Raso, who also scouts for a number of NBA teams, isn’t sure what his future holds as far as the River Lions go but one thing is for sure:
“No matter what, I’ll be doing something in basketball,” a smiling Raso said.
Lion Pride: The River Lions didn’t make a single trip to the foul line in the first half, but did end up shooting a season best 92.3 per cent, 12-13 from the charity stripe … London’s Garrett Williamson had to leave the game for stitches after receiving a nasty cut over his right eye, but did return.