It’s not over til it’s over. The Orangeville A’s probably mulled that old saying over in the post game meeting after Sunday’s (Jan. 10) loss to the London Lighting.

After taking the lead in the first quarter and holding on through to the end of the third, the points gap began to narrow as the London team fought back in the final quarter and managed to go ahead.

The A’s were leading 30-28 at the end of the first quarter.

Flenard Whitfield managed to lead with 11 points in the quarter – he finished the game with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

The A’s gained a six point lead in the second quarter but London again narrowed the gap mid quarter but when the buzzer sounded to end the half the Orangeville team 58-49.

The return for the second half had the A’s ten points in front, thanks in part to Justin Moss who sank four consecutive beautiful foul shots on back to back calls.

It was the fourth quarter that did all the damage when the Lighting managed to go ahead 109-103, then held off the A’s defence for the final couple of minutes to take the win 111-106.

“It’s about putting two halves together,” Said A’s coach Chris Thomas after Sunday’s game. “When stick to our system offensively and defensively, we’re the best team in this League. There’s no doubt about it. When guys start taking liberties, start separating themselves a little bit – that’s when we get in trouble. It’s a bit of a process for us. Like I’ve said before, we’re a no excuses basketball team. That’s our fifth game that we’ve had five different starting lineups.”

Getting guys healthy, and getting guys into the flow of things – this was David Tyndale’s first game in about a the Kingston Voyageurs come to town for a Sunday afternoon game.

After playing to a 1-1 tie in the first period the Flyers got the edge scoring two second period goals to take the lead.

A scoreless third fame led to to the Flyers’ win.

After the weekend the Orangeville team has a 20-20-1 record – including three overtime losses.
That’s good for 44 points and a fourth place in the West Division of the OJHL.

The Flyers will be back on home ice this weekend when they host ST. Michaels at the Alder Street arena in Orangeville.

The puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m.