White strikes Lightning, leads Kings to thrilling road victory

Brent Forster - RDC

Calgary, AB - As the Kings battle for a playoff spot they needed a big performance Friday evening and Cody White was one of several RDC student-athletes who delivered. Trailing late in the fourth quarter, the Red Deer product came up clutch from long range, helping down the St. Mary's University Lightning 78-77.

The Kings dominated the opening half 50-32. The Lightning came out recharged after the break and knocked down 45 points. The Kings responded with 28.

The Lightning led 76-72 with 22 seconds remaining. After a St. Mary's player missed their second free-throw, the Kings corralled the rebound and quickly transitioned up court, where Tyronn King drained a three with 11 ticks left on the clock, pulling the visitors within one.

Then the Lightning found themselves at the free-throw line again, hitting one-of-two shots and going ahead 77-75. Spencer Klassen inbounded the ball to Tyronn King, who carried the ball into the offensive zone and drew the defence to the inside. With one second remaining, Tyronn King spotted Cody White at the top of the three-point arc and the Kinesiology Fitness-Health student hit all net, lifting the Kings to an important 78-77 road victory.

Kings Player-of-the-Game Cody White sank six points and added one steal. He hit 40 per cent of his three-point attempts. Toronto's Tyronn King had another strong game, totaling 27 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists over 37 minutes. Spencer Klassen, Anthony Harper and Ramiro Martinez Quintanilla Jimenez scored 14 points each. 

Anthony Harper had ten of the Kings' 48 rebounds.

Lightning Player-of-the-Game Jordan Britton led his squad with 22 points. Teammate Johnpaul Okudua finished with ten points and 16 of his team's 42 boards.

With the win, the Kings move into sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot in the south. 

On Saturday at 8:00 pm, the RDC Kings (10-10) will host the St. Mary's University Lightning (9-11) in the final regular season game.