Halifax Hurricanes new NBL champions after defeating London Lightning

After a nail-biting game – and for the first time in the team’s history – the Halifax Hurricanes are National Basketball League of Canada champions.

The Halifax Hurricanes defeated the London Lightning 125-117 in Game 7 of the NBL finals before a packed crowd at the Scotiabank Centre Monday evening.

“It was the best game of the season,” said fan Lisa Cook. “We’re so proud of them.”

Point guard Justin Johnson scored 41 points in Game 7, and was named series MVP.

It’s the first time a Halifax team has ever won an NBL series, marking a successful end to the first year for the newly-branded team led by head coach Hugo Lopez.

“This is awesome, you know, we deserve it,” said Lopez Monday evening. “We’ve worked so hard. We’ve been working hard since November. I mean, these guys did a heck of a job. I’m so proud of them.”

The winning title is a major comeback for Halifax after the former Rainmen forfeited the final championship game against the Windsor Express last year, citing safety concerns.

“It was just really good to see a whole group of guys stay together for the entire year and dominate this,” said fan Andrew Blanchette.