Express use big fourth quarter to beat Miracles

By Michael Hugall

 

The Windsor Express continued their winning ways on Wednesday defeating the Moncton Miracles 106-95 at the WFCU Centre.

Windsor jumped to an early 10-4 lead highlighted by Chris Commons who contributed six points to start the game. However, Moncton soon began to show their defensive prowess.

A tough 3-2 zone defence and six first-quarter fouls limited the Express to only eight points in the paint. Windsor guard Tony Bennett was able to make all five of his shot attempts including both of his three-point field goals. His efforts helped the Express take a 28-23 lead into the second quarter.

Moncton proved it could compete with last year’s National Basketball League of Canada champions thanks in part to forward Stanley Robinson and his 13 second-quarter points. The Miracles showed that their depth is tough to match as the bench contributed 31 of their 61 first half points.

“Laziness,” said head coach Bill Jones. “We are a better defensive team than we showed in the second quarter. We had to go over our defensive principles at half time.”

The Express started the third quarter trailing 61-51 but Moncton’s lead was short lived. Quinnel Brown showcased his talents by slashing through the lane, using his mid-range jump shot to score seven straight points for the Express, who have won six in a row.

“We came out and showed up in the second half. At the end of the day it’s all about getting the W[in] and that’s what we did tonight,” said Jones.

Kevin Loiselle played key minutes for the Express defensively, contributing to the game with six rebounds and four blocks in 16 minutes of floor time.

“My mindset was the same as it always is,” said Loiselle. “Go in and help the other guys by sticking to my role, get rebounds and help my team.”

Late foul trouble compounded with three consecutive three pointers from Moncton resulted in Windsor trailing 77-71 as the fourth quarter began.

Poor ball control by both teams resulted in some key scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter. Commons capitalized on one of Moncton’s 20 turnovers by draining a long two-point attempt. His efforts combined with a tough “and-one” basket by former University of Windsor star Gary Gibson. That helped the Express get back on track as Windsor out-scored Moncton 13-2 to start the quarter, giving Windsor an 84-79 lead it would not relinquish.

DeAndre Thomas added to the score sheet by netting 16 of his 26 total points in the quarter to seal an Express victory.

“Sloppy, but we came out and we won,” said Loiselle. “I felt there was a lack of intensity by our players at times.”

The Express will be back in action Friday, Dec. 5 at the WFCU Centre when they take on the London Lightning, game time is 7:00 p.m.