The Sudbury Five will have one more chance to claim their first national championship after falling 85-79 to the Windsor Express in Game 4 of the Basketball Super League finals on Friday night.
The loss at Windsor Family Credit Union Centre sets up a winner-takes-all Game 5 on Tuesday at Sudbury Community Arena, where the Five hope to cap their historic playoff run with a national title.
Sudbury had a chance to close out the series after winning Game 3, 95-88, in Windsor on Wednesday. The teams split the first two games on the Five’s home court.
“It was always meant to be five … five games, no more, no less,” the team posted on social media after the loss.
“The final chapter will be written on our own court, as was always meant to be.”
After Game 3, Five head coach and general manager Logan Stutz said he saw no need to alter his team’s approach in the finals, preferring to emphasize consistency as a path to success.
Charlie Marquardt led the Five with 21 points in just his second game back from injury. Duane Notice added 17 points, while JD Miller contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds – marking his seventh double-double in the team’s nine playoff games.
For Windsor, Zavier Turner paced the offence with 19 points, and Latin Davis chipped in 15 as part of a team effort that led to their win.
The Express led the first two quarters, but the game was tied 61-61 at the end of the third before the Express pulled away again to end it.
A victory Tuesday would secure the first national championship in franchise history for the Five, who joined the BSL in 2022 after previously competing as part of the National Basketball League of Canada.
“This Tuesday, come witness fate in motion – the crown awaits,” said the Five.
Tipoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at Sudbury Community Arena on April 29.
