Express Poised To Make Run

Released: January 16, 2019

(WINDSOR, ON) – And just like that, the Windsor Express have vaulted into third place and have clawed their way back to .500 at 8-8. On Saturday, Windsor dropped their Highway 401 rivals, the London Lightning, 122-119 in front of 1,500 fans.

Over the course of their last 10 games the Express are 7-3 and have emerged as one of the NBL of Canada’s most formidable teams when they are on their game. Over the same period Windsor has, on average, outscored their opponents 114-108. They have twice held the opposition to 90 or fewer points while not dropping below 102 themselves and scoring 120 or more three times.

Juan Pattillo (1) corrals the ball and drives to the basket against the London Lightning on 12 January 2019. Windsor put up a 122-119 overtime victory to draw even at 8-8 on the season.
Photo by John Skinner.

This past week was a test of Windsor’s mettle with three games in four nights. While two or three loses could have all but ended the season for the Express, three wins later and Windsor sits in 3rd place in the tight Central Division and just a game behind 2nd place Kitchener-Waterloo.

During the 10-game stretch Windsor split a pair of games with the Titans. The two teams will meet in a home and away series beginning in Kitchener on January 19. They return to Windsor for the rematch on January 22. Before that, however, the Express travel to Sudbury on the 17th to face their nemeses.

In his second game with the Express, 7-foot forward Ty Walker lays up an easy 2 against the London Lightning on 12 January 2019. Walker, who has played in the G-League, is averaging 6.0 ppg and 5 rebounds for Windsor.
Photo by John Skinner.

Windsor and the Five have met four times this year with the expansion side holding a 3-1 advantage. They last faced each other in the northern Ontario community on December 9 when the Five managed a 123-121 victory.

Since then Windsor has released a whack of players as well as acquiring Chris Jones two days before Christmas. For their part, Sudbury signed Yohanny Dalembert on December 12. However, beyond all the connections between Sudbury and Windsor, including Logan Stutz, Juan Pattillo, and Braylon Rayson, the teams also share another significant transaction.

Horace Wormely launches himself high above the crowd for two points against the London Lightning on 12 January 2019. Wormely contributed 14 points and 8 assists in a 122-119 Express win.
Photo by John Skinner.

The day following their last meeting, Sudbury released guard Tyrrel Tate. Windsor waited just five days before signing Tate to the roster. His leadership on and off the court has been an integral factor in Windsor’s spirited rejuvenation.

With 24 games remaining on the schedule, and now at 8-8, the Express have a new lease on life and hold the season outcome in their own hands.

Tyrrel Tate (in headband), Chris Jones (near centre), and Juan Pattillo have been integral parts of the Windsor Express rejuvenation over the past 10 games in which they have recorded a 7-3 record.
Photo by John Skinner.