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WINNIPEG THUNDER DEFEND CHAMPIONSHIP

WINNIPEG– The Winnipeg Thunder defeated the Twin City Spinners to become the first team to win the Finals three years in a row. Twin City got off to a fast start with 4 baskets by Bruce Russell to lead 15 – 14 at the end of the first quarter. Winnipeg came back to take the lead at the half on the strength of a 20 point first half by tournament all-star Travis Gaertner who finished the game with 31 points. Winnipeg increased the lead to 52 – 42 at the end of the third quarter and were never behind for the rest of the game winning 71 – 57. Other Winnipeg Thunder top scorers were Joey Johnson, named tournament MVP, with 19 and Darren Bittner with 18. Top scorers for Twin City Spinners were Pat Anderson with 19 and Bruce Russell with 16.

Earlier in the day Ottawa Kamikaze defeated Edmonton Raiders 71 – 51 for 3rd place. Top scorer for the Kamikaze was Jerry Tonello with 25 points. Pat Griffin had 26 for Edmonton.

The Douglas College Royals defeated the Lethbridge Steamers 70 – 38 for fifth place. Top scorers in the game were Ross MacDonald with 19 points for Douglas College and Wayne Molnar with 16 for Lethbridge.

Pat Anderson (Twin City Spinners), Jaimie Borisoff (Douglas College Royals), Ron Minor (Edmonton Raiders) and Jerry Tonello (Ottawa Kamikaze) joined Travis Gaertner on the all-star team.

Final Rankings

1. Winnipeg Thunder
2. Twin City Spinners
3. Ottawa Kamikaze
4. Edmonton Raiders
5. Douglas College Royals
6. Lethbridge Steamers
7. Winnipeg II