Muldrow stars as River Lions top Express
Forward records rare triple double in last home game of regular season
“It was nice that we found November Sam.”
Those were the words of Niagara River Lions head coach Joe Raso after Sam Muldrow recorded a very rare triple-double — 16 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks — in a 103-95 win over the Windsor Express Thursday night at Meridian Centre in St. Catharines.
Muldrow also played a seasonhigh 33 minutes as the River Lions sent 2,159 fans home happy on Fan Appreciation Night.
“There were lots of positives,” Raso said. “It was nice that we found November Sam.
“He’s the veteran of the team, he’s the guy that may not have asked for it but he’s the guy that people recognize and look up to.
“Triple-doubles like that you don’t see - 10 blocks in a game.”
For his part Muldrow continues to lead by example on the court rather than in the locker room or during practice.
“As you know I am kind of a quiet guy, and I have to lead on the court,” said Muldrow, who has played in parts of all three seasons the Lions have been in Niagara.
As for the triple-double Muldrow says he’s done it once before during his professional career while playing in Ukraine.
And while Muldrow was doing his thing at the defensive end of the court, Connor Wood and Kris Joseph were leading the way offensively. The two River Lions combined for 10 three-pointers and 24 and 23 points, respectively, as Niagara improved to 16-22 on the season.
Raso feels his players have to start believing in themselves.
“I firmly believe with this group of guys it’s not the person-
nel, it’s about our personality — like bringing that winning personality and bringing that hardworking personality, and bringing that personality on Fan Appreciation Night,” Raso explained.
The Lions now play two games in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to conclude their regular season, Saturday and Easter Monday, before beginning a best-of-five playoff series against the firstplace London Lightning.
“We need to build some confidence and momentum,” said Raso when asked about the two games against St. John’s.
Meanwhile, Muldrow knows all about the history the London Lightning provide as a firstround playoff opponent.
“It’s a big rivalry for us,” a chuckling Muldrow said. “We know it’s going to be tough, and we have to go out there and fight, play hard and have fun.
“You never know what can happen.”
Lion Pride: Guillaume Boucard (flu) and Ronnie Johnson (concussion) did not play for the
River Lions ... Niagara drained 13 three-pointers in total ... Jaylon Tate, who addressed and thanked
the fans before the game, had a game-high 13 assists in the win ... Former Lion Omar Strong did not dress for Windsor, who fell to 20-19 with the loss.