Sudbury Five Triumph Over Montreal Toundra in Thrilling 121-110 Win

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Sudbury Five clinched a hard-fought 121-110 victory against the Montreal Toundra at the Sudbury Community Arena on Saturday night. Wearing their new ‘Rock Monsters’ alternate jerseys, the Five showcased a resilient performance that solidified their unbeaten start to the season, improving to 2-0.

The game was a nail-biter, with the score remaining tight throughout. However, in the crucial fourth quarter, the Five pulled away, leveraging a balanced scoring attack and key defensive plays to secure the win. The Toundra, who fell to 0-1 in their season opener, struggled to keep pace as Sudbury surged ahead.

Keyshawn Bryant set the tone early, scoring the first four points of the game. The Toundra, led by the sharpshooting of Khalill Dukes, fought back, keeping the game competitive through the second and third quarters. However, a decisive 10-2 run by the Five late in the game, highlighted by a three-pointer from Allen Billinger and free throws from Charlie Marquardt, created a double-digit lead that proved insurmountable.

Bryant finished the game with a standout performance, recording 31 points and 8 rebounds. Marquardt contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds, earning him the title of ‘Greatest Performance of the Night’. Duane Notice also made his mark with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. For Montreal, Dukes led the scoring with 23 points, while Kyle Steward added 19 points.

The match was intense, with a total of 60 fouls called, testing the resolve of both teams. After the game, Five head coach Joey Puddister commended his players for their composure under pressure. “The core of our team has been around for a while. They’re veterans in this league,” he stated during the post-game media scrum. “I never have concerns about poise and composure, because they are level-headed 100 percent of the time.”

Bryant echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges during the game. “You’re on a team, so there’s going to be adversity,” he remarked, emphasizing the focus on defense as key to their victory. “We just picked it up on the defensive side.”

The win also spotlighted the integration of new players into the Five’s system. Bryant, a former G League player, has become an immediate impact player. “The guys have welcomed me in with open arms,” he noted, humorously mentioning his adjustment to the cold weather. Additionally, Guan Ziyu, a 20-year-old forward from China, contributed with two three-pointers, showcasing the team’s depth and camaraderie.

Looking ahead, the Five are set to return to home court on January 10, 2024, for a highly anticipated rematch against the Windsor Express, the team they faced in last season’s championship final. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.. Fans are encouraged to attend and witness the excitement as the Five aim to extend their winning streak.