Early Christmas Gift For Express

Released: December 24, 2018

(WINDSOR, ON) – Getting back into the win column, the Windsor Express handed the Island Storm their fifth straight loss as they ran out to a dominating 118-90 victory at home. Windsor’s second win in the last three contests was punctuated with a strong supporting role played by the Express bench.

From beyond the arc Windsor scored at double the pace of the Storm. The long range bombing was led by Ryan Anderson’s 6-for-10, Angelo Griffis’ 4-of-8, and Daniel Dooley’s perfection on two attempts as the team shot 54.5% from outside.

Windsor leads the league on 3-point conversions at 39.2% on 288 attempts.

“When you look at a guy like Daniel Dooley, who has struggled with his health, I was committed to allowing him to pay today,” said Windsor head coach Bill Jones. “He showed that he was able to compete. I’m definitely proud of him.”

Dooley has been rehabbing a serious ankle injury, dressing with very limited minutes in just four games this season.

“I wasn’t expecting minutes coming into the team here, but I’m just trying to take advantage of my opportunities,” Dooley said. The native of Burlington and 5-year grad from the Guelph Gryphons, was 2-for-2 from the floor and from the penalty stripe, and added 4 boards and a steal to his stat line.

The Express also worked the inside game. The afternoon’s leading scorer was player of the game Juan Pattillo, who dropped 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting. He added 9 boards as well. Luke Cochrane (13), getting a rare start, and Tyrrel Tate (11) rounded out the double digit scoring for Windsor.

Tyler Scott of the Island Storm tries everything he can to stop Windsor's Juan Pattillo (1) during NBL Canada action on 23 December 2018. The Express prevailed 118-90 for their third win of the season.
Photo by John Skinner.

“(Cochrane) has been on the (Injury Reserve List) and hasn’t played a lot,” Jones disclosed. “He came up today with 13 big points and 7 rebounds, and played tough against, arguably, one of the best players in our league.”

Making his first appearance with the Express was point guard Chris Jones, who became available from Al Ahli Doha in Qatar. A Memphis native, Jones, out of Louisville, put up 9 points and 6 assists in his Express debut.

“(Jones) plays with a kind of swagger and that’s what we need,” Coach Jones said. “To be able to have him and Horace (Wormely) in our back court is something that we really like moving forward.”

Island Storm head coach Tim Kendrick diagrams some strategy for his players during a timeout against the Windsor Express on 23 December 2018. The home town Express ran to a 118-90 victory over the Storm in NBL Canada regular season action.
Photo by John Skinner.

The Express dropped 36 points in the opening quarter and a 23-point lead, but regressed in the 2nd period as the Island Storm moved to within 13 points, 57-44, at the half. Windsor regained their composure after the break and connected on an outstanding 42 points. Coach Jones took advantage of the wide margin to offer more playing time to his bench.

He was rewarded when Windsor moved in front by as many as 33 points by 11:15 of the 4th quarter.

“These guys, they went out there and competed right from the jump ball,” said Coach Jones. “They struggled a little bit in the 2nd quarter, but they figured it out. We just gotta continue to play well and end this year off on a positive note.”

Windsor (3-7) closes out 2018 when they host London (5-6) on December 28. The Lightning have lost two straight heading into Friday’s match at 7pm.