Earning their sixth victory against the KW Titans Thursday, the Five returned home to welcome the London Lighting on their first visit to the Sudbury Arena since the franchise's inaugural home opener.
Seeming to feel the strain of three games in four nights, the Five got off to a slow start in yesterday's first quarter. London opened up the game with a 10-0 run before Travis Releford was able to get Sudbury on the board.
The Five were unable to hold steady possession in the game's opening frame, producing eight turnovers and only 15 points. Grandy Glaze and Releford led the way with four points each, while 2018 NBL Canada playoff MVP Garrett Williamson led the way for the Lightning with six points. After 12 minutes, the Five were down 26-15.
The Five returned to court with a vengeance, starting the quarter with a 12-0 run led by big man Cory Dixon. Big defensive rebounds limited any chances for London and opened up the floor for 10 points by Dixon and a combined 13 points by Braylon Rayson and Jaylen Bland. Despite this effort, the Five continued to trail 51-46 by the end of the second.
Responding to a big quarter by Five guards, London defence shifted to press higher on the Five ball carriers, double-teaming both Rayson and Bland. The push resulted in an increase in space for the wings, including Five's Releford who score 10 points within the quarter.
The Five's newly signed Canadian forward Yohanny Dalembert, also had a strong quarter, scoring six points with four rebounds in only four minutes of play. The Five were able to cut the lead in the third, shooting 56.3 per cent from the field and 66.7 per cent from three-point range, to end the quarter down one at 81-80.
In what seems to be a pattern for the Five, the team entered the four quarter neck-and-neck with their opponent. Sudbury turned to Adam Blazek to carry the ball and Bland to drive the offence. Bland was able to produce 15 points in the quarter, second only to Lightning's AJ Gaines Jr. who scored 16 in the final frame.
In the end, missed rebounds by the Five cost them a 120-117 loss against the London Lightning.
Releford led all Five players in scoring with 24 points, while Bland finished with 22 of his own. Dixon finished the game with 17 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.
At 2 p.m. this afternoon, the Five will face off against the Halifax Hurricans in their first and only visit to Sudbury this season. The Hurricanes are riding a three-game losing streak, while the Five are looking to rebound after last night's tight loss.
Tickets can be purchased online through TheFive.ca or through the Sudbury Community Arena Box Office.
