The Windsor Express (13-10) and Tony Bennett celebrated Hats on for Healthcare in support of Windsor Regional Hospital on Thursday night against rivals, the London Lightning (17-7).
The Express had a big second half against the Lightning, outscoring them 75-57, and sealed the win 119-112.
The Lightning started off strong early in the first with a three from Ryan Anderson. The Express were able to get within one point, 13-12, after Brandon Robinson hit a three, but Stephen Maxwell put up back to back buckets to create a gap, 17-12 midway through the quarter. The Express finished off the first quarter trailing 28-14.
Alex Johnson started off the second quarter with a steal and a finish to the net. Tony Bennett responded with a three pointer shortly after. Back to back three pointers from London gave them a 15 point lead, 36-21, three minutes in the quarter. Shaquille Keith brought it within 6, 46-40, after finishing with a layup. Nick Evans attempted a buzzer beater to close the half, but it did not count. London went into halftime with a 55-44 lead.
The Express came out strong in the second half of the game, with Chris Commons dropping a three to start. The Express took their first lead of the game, 61-59 after Tony Bennett finished with a layup at the 8:28 mark. The Express went into the final quarter of the game with a 86-82 advantage.
Kirk Williams Jr started the fourth quarter off with a bucket to keep the momentum going. Windsor and London were tied at 98 apiece near the midway point of the quarter, and then Tony Bennett hit a three, and then finished a three point play to put Windsor ahead, 104-98. London was not able to make a comeback, and Windsor came away with a win, 119-112.
Tony Bennett led the Express in scoring with 28 points, adding 10 assists to make it a double double performance.
Kirk Williams Jr put up 26 points of his own, and Chris Commons had 22 points.
Shaquille Keith had an impressive performance, putting up 20 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds, just shy of a triple double.
Tyshawn Patterson led the Lightning in scoring with 21 points. Nick Okorie added 20 points, along with 12 assists to make it a double double.
The Windsor Express are back at The WFCU Centre to host the Niagara River Lions on Friday, March 4th for a 7:30pm game start. The Express will also be honouring local heroes as well.
Game photos HERE