Tydran Beaty takes a shot against the Lightning in London

The Cape Breton Highlanders professional basketball team were playing their second game in as many days when they visited the Central Division leading London Lightning for the first and only matchup of the season on Thursday evening.

The start of the game was delayed due to technical difficulties with the score clock. The late start didn’t seem to affect the Highlanders however, as they opened the scoring in a close game early. The Highlanders managed to find points from under the basket, but the Lightning settled in at home, and had a 33 - 26 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The score remained close in the second quarter. The Highlanders shot well from in the paint, and were effective in the defensive end of the court. The Highlanders forced turnovers and managed to grab the lead multiple times before the halftime horn sounded with the Lightning up,  59 - 55.

The Highlanders continued to play strong defense and score timely baskets to ensure that the score was always within reach. It turned into a quick back-and-forth game but remained close throughout the third quarter. The Highlanders closed the gap and were down by only one, 91 - 90, heading into the final frame.

The Highlanders grabbed the lead to start the fourth and continued to keep pace with the best team in the Central Division. The Highlanders earned points from the free-throw line to maintain the lead until the Lightning tied it with just over three minutes remaining in regulation. The Lightning managed to tie it again in the tense final moments, as the teams headed to overtime with the score tied 112.

The Highlanders opened the scoring in the extra frame. The Lightning went on five-point run, but a Malik Story three-point shot brought the Highlanders back within one. Bruce Massey Jr. scored more clutch baskets, as he had all game, and earned the victory from the free-throw line as the Highlanders defeated the London Lightning 124 - 121.

The Lightning were led by Royce White and Garrett Williamson, who both achieved double-doubles. White score 42 points, 21 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Williamson had 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Kyle Johnson had 16 points with 8 rebounds, while Mo Bolden had 14 points and 9 rebounds. Doug Herring Jr. scored 13 points, had 5 rebounds, and passed for a team-best 10 assists.

For the Highlanders, Bruce Massey Jr. led the way with 44 points, a team-best 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while going 13 for 14 from the free-throw line. Rick Bodiford scored 20 points, with 3 rebounds, and a team-best 8 assists. Malik Story scored 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Tydran Beaty had 16 points, and also had 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Chris Braswell scored 15 points and had 6 rebounds.

The Highlanders play next on Saturday, March 17 when they visit the Moncton Magic. The game starts at 7PM and can be watched by going to HighlandersBasketball.ca and clicking the link to YouTube.

The next Highlanders home game is on Friday, March 30 against the PE Island Storm. That game starts at 7PM. To learn more about tickets go to HighlandersBasketball.ca/tickets.

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