SARNIA, ON - With their biggest OCAA rivals in town for a Friday night showdown, the Lions fell just short of their 4th consecutive win. Lambton and St. Clair showed up to play and right from the opening tip, the tension between these two teams filled the gymnasium. With playoff implications written all over, this contest was destined to go to the wire and it didn't dissapoint. 

The opening quarter saw the Lions jump out to the early lead. Branden Padgett was in full attack mode from the get-go, notching 9 points in the 1st quarter as the Lions jumped out to the early 19-13 lead. The 2nd was less favourable to Lambton as St. Clair was able to rattle off a 16-4 run and take the lead heading into the half. 

Defense stepped up big to start the 2nd half, as both teams were forcing turnovers and changing shots en route to a low scoring quarter. Xavian Edwards was a beast in the key, swatting 3 big blocks in the contest. As the clock started for the final quarter, the intensity got turned up to 11. The max capacity crowd made themselves heard as Lambton and St. Clair traded blows, with forced turnovers and missed free throws giving the Lions an opportunity to tie the game late. With Lambton trailed by 3 with 2.84 seconds on the clock, an in bound play found Lambton sharp-shooter Jason Marshell, who had already banged home five 3-pointers in the contest. As he got his feet squared to the basket with a hand in his face he launched the prayer, only to have it clang off the front of the rim, ending the night for the Lions. 

The loss drops Lambton to 3-8 on the season, with a very slim chance left for playoffs. Padgett led all scorers with 25 points and Marshell finished with 17. Mark Lue-Hue and Edwards each tallied 9 while Jay Trojek ended the scoring with 5. 

Lambton hits the road this Friday to take on the Redeemer Royals.