Edge Earn the Split in London

The message for the St. John's Edge heading into Game Two was clear: win a game in London. The Edge did just that as they pulled through with a 112-104 victory Thursday night at Budweiser Gardens. 

After a disappointing defeat in double-overtime Tuesday, the Edge ensured Thursday's game would be no repeat as the club came out guns blazing in Game Two. St. John's started the game on a 10-and-0 run and found themselves ahead 35-18 at the end of the first quarter. The Lightning done some damage control in the second quarter putting up 30 points; however the Edge would bring a 14-point lead into the locker-room at halftime, up 62-48.

At the half, St. John's Edge Associate Head Coach Steve Marcus' confident words were simple, "They (London) are going to make their run, we've been here before in London, we're going to go toe-to-toe with the bully, we're not afraid, we're not going to back down." 

The Lightning came out strong to start the second half, an 8-and-0 run allowed London to take a lead temporarily, but the Edge held their ground leading 85-82 at the end of the third despite London putting up 34 points. However, unlike Tuesday night, the Edge would not let the Lightning make a fourth quarter comeback. The team at the half was told to, "do a better job bottling up Royce White" and they did just that, allowing him only two points in a crucial fourth quarter. St. John's made 9 of their final 13 points from the free-throw line to close out the victory.

Edge head coach Jeff Dunlap said pre-game from London that, "They [St John's] needed to get one [win] here, whether it was Game Two, Game Six or Game Seven and take care of business at home." With the series shifting back to St. John's for the next three games, there's a possibility the Edge could close out their second round matchup at home, and not return to London anymore this season.

St. John's Edge:

Wally Ellenson led the way for St. John's putting up 20 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, picking up six rebounds and two assists. Desmond Lee finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. Defensively, Charles Hinkle stepped up scoring 12 points with two blocks and three steals.

London Lightning:

Royce White led the London Lightning with a game-high 29 points, adding nine rebounds and seven assists. Garrett Williamson added 22 points for London accompanied by eight rebounds.

Inside the Numbers 

St. John's went 27-for-33 (82 percent) from the free-throw line, the club also scored 45 points off the bench. The Lightning went 9-for-33 (27 percent) from the three-point line and scored 48 points inside the paint.

Up Next 

The best-of-seven series shifts back to Mile One Centre for Game Three, Four and Five beginning on Saturday night at 7:00PM NST. All games will be streamed live on www.sjedge.ca.

Edge Playoff Tickets are now available and can be purchased in person at the Mile One Centre box office, by phone at 709-576-7657 or online at www.mileonecentre.com. Group rates are available and can be obtained by contacting Kenny O'Leary at Kenny@sjedge.ca