posted by Dwayne Wynter
Three games in the past week have equaled positive results for the Oshawa Power.
Opening their season on road against the expansion Windsor Express, the Power pulled out an 84-83 nail-biter.
While the game was close throughout the first half, it was the second that had both teams take turns making huge runs which eventually told the tale.
Allowing only 15 third quarter points and outscoring them by 10, the Power had to endure an Express run in the fourth, which saw them give up 30 points to their 17.
A solid defensive effort, led by returning forward Jushay Rockett’s game high 13 rebounds, plus five players scoring in double figures had the Power showing strong.
Unfortunately game two against the defending NBLC Champions, London Lightning didn’t go as well.
Once again and on a positive note, the Power had five players in double figures and Rockett recorded another huge rebounding night with a game high 14 but the Lightning struck hard as they defeated the Power handily, 121-95.
Former Power, Morgan Lewis had a game-high 20 points and added 11 rebounds, as the Power were lackluster on defensive, giving up 30 or more points in the game’s last three quarters.
That aside, it was the home opener on Saturday night Power fans eagerly anticipated and had circled on their calendars.
Playing in front of a loud home crowd, the Power responded from their poor performance in London and gave a knockout blow in a rematch against the Express.
Though both teams struggled shooting, both hovering around 42 per cent, it was the fourth quarter which saw the Power completely pull away from their 74-66 lead going into the final 10 minutes, winning the blowout 106-87
“You have to tip your hat to Windsor. Those guys are good and made tough shots early. I think our guys took good shots early but we took great shots as the game progressed.” Head Coach Larry Blunt said.
“With a young team and a group of new guys and staff, I think they’re starting to realize and were getting them to buy into taking great shots and when we do it gives us a chance to compete with anyone.” Blunt Added.
With only two returning players and a new coaching staff due to former head coach Robert Brickey stepping down due to personal issues; the Power didn’t seem to miss a beat with their former coach sitting on the sideline cheering them on.
Nick Okorie has a team high 15 points and was one of seven players to score in double-digits and as a team managed 10 steals.
“We really want to run and we think we can play 10 or 11 guys, we think as the game progresses, teams will lose their legs and our thing is we want to pass up a good shot and get a great one.
“We want to get up and down and create tempo. We’re young and energetic and want that to be our identity.”
At a 2-1 record and sitting second in the Central Conference, the Power look to avenge the loss against the Lightning as they come into the GM Centre on Thursday night.
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Dwayne Wynter is the Editor-in-Chief of TDOTLIVE.COM and continues to write on a variety of issues that initiate discussion. Working also as a freelanced journalist and Basketball Colour Commentator with the National Basketball League of Canada, he’s constantly typing away. Follow him on twitter @TDOTLIVECOM
