The Sudbury Five earned their second straight victory this past Thursday (Feb.13), winning by a hair over the London Lightning at Budweiser Gardens, 117-116.
Leading the Central Division with a record of 12-4, the Lightning were no easy match, but Sudbury kept their pace. Besides a strong third quarter by London, the Five kept their competitors within a one-point range up until the final countdown.
Although London was first to the net in the opening quarter, it was Sudbury that pushed ahead 31-30 by the end of the first 12 minutes. But the Nickel City wouldn't hold this lead for very long.
Catching their stride, the London Lightning pushed ahead 63-62 in the second quarter and 96-88 in the third.
Feeling the pressure, the Sudbury Five buckled down in the fourth quarter, slowly closing the gap on the scoreboard.
But just as it seemed the Five's fight had come to an end, Marlon Johnson broke through the noise to deliver one final layup for the Nickel City, bringing them from a 115 to 117.
Johnson lead all players in points that evening with a total of 36, which included 12 field goals, six three-pointers, six free-throws and seven rebounds.
Right on his heels was London's Randy Phillips with a total of 32, for 12 field goals, six free throws, five rebounds and two assists.
The Nickel City boys are back on the road Monday, to take on the Windsor Express at 5 p.m.
Sudbury Five are second in the Central Division with a record of 9-6, while the Express sit third with a record of 6-8.
