Heartbreak. Knowing the importance of Game 5 on home court, the St. John's Edge played their hearts out until the final buzzer, losing a heart breaker at home 130-127 to the London Lightning on Thursday night at Mile One Centre.
In a game which saw both the Edge and the Lightning go shot for shot, the game came down to the final seconds of the contest. Unfortunately for the Edge, they just could not find a way past the Lightning as London grabbed a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
London built themselves a comfortable lead in the first quarter off the back of Royce White who put up 16 points in the opening twelve minutes for his team as the Lightning were up 31-20 heading into the second quarter.
The Edge were not about to let the game slip away as the team rebounded with a strong second quarter, out scoring London 31-22 in the second frame. London led the way at the half up 53-51.
At Halftime, St. John's Edge Associate Head Coach Steve Marcus said, "London come out in the first quarter and really punched us, I thought we responded well in the second quarter. We just have to bottle up Royce White, contain the guys in transition and I like our chances."
Neither team wanted to give their opponent any opportunity in the third quarter as both teams went shot-for-shot, combining for 73 points as St. John's clawed within one point heading into the fourth quarter down 89-88.
Late in the fourth quarter, there appeared to be a break for St. John's as London's Royce White fouled out with four minutes remaining in the game; however his team stood strong behind him, going toe-to-toe with the Edge until the final buzzer. In the end, the strong play by St. John's was not enough as the Lightning stormed away with the win.
St. John's Edge:
Carl English, St. John's Edge player of the game led the way with a team-high 34 points with seven rebounds and seven assists. Charles Hinkle also kicked in 21 points for St. John's accompanied by six assists. Defensively, Desmond Lee led the way with three steals and 11 points.
London Lightning:
Royce White led the London Lightning with a game-high 37 points, adding four rebounds and nine assists. Mo Bolden added 24 points for London accompanied by seven rebounds.
Inside the Numbers
St. John's went 24-for-27 (89 percent) from the free-throw line, the club also scored 58 points inside the paint. The Lightning went 47-for-79 (60 percent) from the field-goal line and scored 27 points off the bench.
Up Next
The best-of-seven series now shifts to London for Game Six on Sunday at 3:30NST and Game Seven *if necessary* Tuesday, May 1st at 8:30 PM NST. All games will be streamed live on www.sjedge.ca.
