Express find new home to their liking
Ward scores 24 points in Game 1 victory over Titans at Lakeshore’s Atlas centre
LAKESHORE The Windsor Express christened their new home just the way the club had hoped to on Friday.
Shaking off a slow start, the Express rallied for a 112-105 win over the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans in the team’s debut game at the Atlas Tube Centre before a crowd of 1,014.
“It took us a bit to get used to it,” Express guard Tony Bennett said of the new environment. “We’ve been practising here, but it was a different atmosphere. The fans were like, boom, right there. So, it took a minute to get adjusted.”
With the Memorial Cup headed to the WFCU Centre, the Express opted to move playoff games to Lakeshore. The club got into the facility to practice early this week, but Friday was the team’s first game.
“This has more like a European feel with the stands above,” Express guard Warren Ward said. “At the end of the day, it’s one court and two rims.”
But the Express were slow coming out of the gate missing their first 11 shots as the expansion Titans built a 10-0 lead in just over five minutes of play.
“We started out slow, probably a little nervous,” Express head coach Bill Jones said. “We took a timeout and had the guys take a deep breath and then we came out and started executing.”
Ward hit a triple coming out of the timeout and scored the first five points for Windsor to key a 7-0 run to get the team back in the game.
“Coach said pick it up,” Ward said. “Coach does a really good job of managing who he has on the floor and on the team.
“We know what he expects and it’s up to us to deliver. We got all good shots, but they just go in. I think that was a bit of the nerves and a bit of the rust and we have to sustain that line of a consistent effort.”
Tied at 41-41 late in the first half, Windsor reeled off nine-straight points and closed the second quarter on a 12-2 run to take a 10-point lead.
Windsor stretched its lead to 21 points at one point, but faltered down the stretch allowing the Titans to pull to within a point with 96 seconds to play in regulation.
“We just can’t end games like that,” Jones said. “Kitchener’s played us tough all year. We let them have 38 points in the fourth quarter and we have to do a better job.”
Bennett came off the bench to hit a layup and, after a travelling call on the Titans, Bennett drove the lane and was fouled. He hit both free throws to key a 7-0 run for the Express, who were able to close out the game.
“That’s what I do,” said Bennett, who finished with 16 points. “I’m in a different role. It’s still an important role, but different than what I’ve had in the past.
“I still understand the importance of coming in and closing a game out. I’m a veteran and even if (coach) sits me, I’m going to be ready.”
Ward had 24 points to lead the Express, who have a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five Central Division semifinal series. Game 2 is Sunday at the Atlas Tube Centre at 2 p.m.
“A lot of emotions in this one, but just glad we pulled it out,” Ward said.
“We were glad to get it started and a win’s a win, I don’t care if it’s by one or by 40. A win’s a win.”
Juan Pattillo had 20 points while Darren Duncan finished with 16 points for the Express. Logan Stutz, Shaquille Keith and Maurice Jones chipped in with 10 points each.