NBLC Finals 2019 - Game 3

The St. John’s Edge were hoping for a home boost as the finals move to the Mile One Centre, especially as another loss to the Moncton Magic – who lead the series 2-0 – would leave their title hopes hanging by a thread.

Trey Kell put the first points on the board for the Magic, who led the Edge for all of the first quarter, though Carl English and Russell Byrd kept the scores tight.

After a slow start to the second quarter, St. John’s went into the lead for the first time in the game, and it was Moncton now having to apply the pressure having fallen behind.

Freddie McSwain put the Magic back in front with two minutes remaining in the half, and the team ended the quarter with five points to lead 49-45 when they went to the locker room.

Kell helped build Moncton’s lead to seven shortly after the start of the second half, after which three successive three-pointers from Jarryn Skeete gave the lead back to St. John’s. Eight lead changes followed, and a final layup from Isaiah Tate saw the Edge enter the final period ahead by three.

Moncton began the fourth quarter with a thirteen-point run, which saw them go in front by ten. Carl English tried to lead the Edge in a fight back, scoring 12 points in the quarter, but the Magic were on the warpath.

Leading Moncton in the final period was Freddie McSwain, who put up 10 points off the bench, while Kell and Corey Allmond also contributed in a fourth quarter performance which was the turning point in the game for the visitors.

Carl English had 22 points for the Edge, while Moncton had five players finishing in double digits, with Trey Kell leading the team with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Winning by a final score of 103-93, Moncton put one hand on the trophy. One more win will mean they can claim it for their own.

Will the Magic be the first team to win the NBL Canada finals undefeated? We will know on Thursday 16th May, when Game Four will be played in St. John’s.

Picture: Jacinthe LeBlanc