A stunning comeback by the Windsor Express fell short in the game, but served to boost the reputation of the National Basketball League of Canada.
The Express were down by as much as 22 points in an exhibition game at the WFCU Centre Thursday night against the Toronto Raptors affiliate, the Raptors 905 of the NBA's Development League. But, a 38 point performance by Express guard Adrian Moss proved there is talent in the Canadian league.
"I think is good for Canada," says Moss. "I'm not Canadian, but I think it's good for Canadian basketball just to see these types of guys in this type of atmosphere. It's awesome."
Moss led the way for scorers and added six assists in a losing effort for the Express. It was a 117-114 final. Seven of the Raptors 905 players finished in double-digit scoring compared to just three for the Express.
He diminutive guard thinks the Raptors 905 team will leave Windsor with a new appreciation for the NBL Canada.
"They're just like 'Okay this league is legit, these cars are legit and we [the Express] got some good players," says Moss.
The NBL Canada season opens on December 26.
Former MLSE head Richard Peddie handles the ball toss in the Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Express vs Raptors 905 exhibition game at the WFCU Centre on November 5, 2015. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
