The Sudbury Five opened their first round playoff series on the road in St. John's over the weekend, taking on the Edge on Friday and Sunday.
Sudbury was able to grab home court advantage away from the Edge thanks to a win by the slimmest of margins on Friday night, knocking off the Edge by a score of 100-99.
St. John's managed to level the series Sunday evening with a 102-92 victory, sending the series back to the Nickel City, with the Five having an opportunity to win the best-of-five series on their home court.
Sunday's game was a back and forth affair as the Edge jumped out to the early lead, riding the energy of their home crowd to a 30-25 lead after one quarter of play. The Five stormed back in quarter number two, pouring in 35 points and holding the Edge to just 23 to carry a 60-53 lead into haltime.
The Five couldn't find their footing on the offensive side in the second half, and managed just 16 points in the third quarter as the Edge chipped away at the lead and pulled the score to 76-74 with one quarter to play.
The Five offense continued to struggle into the final frame, shooting 35 per cent from the field, and failing to convert a single three-pointer. The Edge took command in the final frame, and with just over a minute to play in the game, the Five were down by only two points.
After a Shaquille Keith lay-up and a Des Lee pair of free throws extended the lead to six, the Edge never looked back, taking the lead and the game, 102-92.
Jaylen Bland had a strong showing for the Five in the loss, dropping 29 points and adding eight rebounds and two assists. Maurice Jones Sr. scored 25 points for the Five, but Braylon Rayson could not get it going on Sunday night, managing just nine points while going 0-for-9 on three point attempts.
The Edge utilized a balanced scoring attack to upend the Five, with seven players scoring in double digits and Junior Cadougan leading the way with 17 points.
The series now travels to Sudbury for game three Wednesday evening at the Sudbury Community Arena. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
Tickets for the game can be purchased online at www.greatersudbury.ca/tickets or in person at the Sudbury Community Arena.
