NBL Canada Headlines

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(TORONTO, ON) In front of 5,106 fans at home the London Lightning beat out the Halifax Rainmen 116-92 in Game 5 of an exciting finals showdown to become the first NBL Canada Champions.

“"What a great finish to an outstanding Championship series, outstanding playoffs and an exciting regular season,” said John Kennedy, NBL Canada Commissioner. “I know I speak for the entire League, when I say we're very pleased with the success we've had this year and look forward to even bigger accomplishments in the future!"

Mr. Kennedy was unfortunately out of town due to personal reasons, but he sends his regrets and congratulations to the entire Lightning organization. Chief Operating Officer Ian McCarthy stepped in to present the Lightning with the NBL Canada Championship Trophy.

“It was an amazing showcase for the League, it was exciting to go to a game and we’re looking forward to building on this for next season,” said Mr. McCarthy.

McCarthy also announced Gabe Freemen of the London Lightning as the playoff MVP and Head Coach Micheal Ray Richardson as Coach of the Year.

The Lightning held the number one spot all regular season, finishing with an impeccable 28-8 record.

“It was a great game with an incredible crowd, what we did was protect our home court and its an unbelievable feeling.” said Richardson.

Leading the Lightning to their championship win was DeAnthony Bowden with 28 points, followed by Gabe Freeman with 22 and Eddie Smith with 20. Shamari Spears and Rodney Buford had 18 points each while Tim Ellis had 14 rebounds for the Lightning. 

The Rainmen were led by Chris Hagen with 21 points, followed by Tyrone Levett with 14 and Justin Johnson with 13.

“It was an unbelievable game, with two teams that fought their hearts out all season to come together in the championship and to game 5,” said Andre Levingston, President & CEO of the Halifax Rainmen. "London did an unbelievable job and deserved to win, but from a league standpoint this was incredible for the fans.”

 NBL Canada’s successful first season will conclude with the League’s inaugural All-Star weekend in Halifax March 31-April 1, presented by Rogers Communications Inc. For more information visit nblallstar.ca.

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Media Contact:

Bailey Williams

Director of Public Relations, National Basketball League of Canada

Phone: 647.388.9669

E-mail: media@nblcanada.ca

About the National Basketball League of Canada

Founded in 2011, the National Basketball League of Canada is the nation’s only professional basketball League.  There are seven teams - Halifax Rainmen, London Lightning, Moncton Miracles, Oshawa Power, Quebec Kebs, Saint John Mill Rats and Summerside Storm – playing in the inaugural 2011-12 season and the League is poised for continued expansion across Canada. NBL Canada is headquartered in Toronto, Ont. NBL Canada is committed to developing the next generation of Canadian athletes and raising the excitement for and awareness of basketball throughout the country. 

For more information on the League, visit www.nblcanada.ca. Connect with us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nblcanada, Facebook at www.facebook.com./nblcanadaor Tumblr at www.nblcanada.tumblr.com.