The Windsor Express have the biggest game of their recent history Friday night.
Thanks to Thursday night's 110-102 win in Game 4 over the London Lightning at the WFCU Centre, the Express travel to London to face the archrival Lightning at Budweiser Gardens in a game for all the marbles. Windsor is seeking its third NBLC championship.
Express Owner and CEO Dartis Willis told Windsor's Country morning host Morgan Ryan that the Game 4 win was a huge weight off the team's shoulders, as a loss would've meant the end of their postseason run.
"I was excited about it," said Willis. "It meant a lot to the fans and those kids I've raised over the ten years, and their parents sitting in the front row, experiencing what we experienced in years one and two."
Willis said the quick turnaround from Thursday night only added to the anticipation for the winner-take-all Game 5, but the players and coaching staff are focused and ready to go to work.
"We have to organize ourselves and get ready for one of the biggest battles that we ever had," said Willis. "London is our nemesis. We play rough and tough in their home from a mental standpoint. We just have to prepare ourselves and get ready."
Jermaine Haley led the scoring on Thursday night for Windsor with 41 points and ten rebounds.
The Express won their first two NBLC titles in 2014 and 2015, their first two years in the league.
Tip-off for Game 5 Friday night is at 7 p.m.