The Sudbury Five faithful had already picked up the "MVP" chant before game three even started Tuesday night in Sudbury as veteran guard Charlie Marquardt was confirmed as the top player in the BSL (Basketball Super League) for the 2025-2026 season prior to the opening tip-off.
The 30 year-old native of Rockaway Beach (New York) was more than happy to spur the crowd to reviving that chorus early in quarter two.
With his team leading 33-28, Marquardt netted the next 14 points for the Five, largely on the strength of four straight three-point baskets as Sudbury extended their lead over the KW Titans to 49-38, outscoring the visitors 42-28 in the second quarter of play alone on route to a 121-106 win that staved off elimination for the defending champions.
A comfortable 72-51 lead at the half allowed Five head coach Joey Puddister the luxury of utilizing much of his lineup, even with game four not scheduled until next Monday as the Titans carry a 2-1 series lead into the encounter on April 27th.
The Sudbury scoring parade reflected that cushion as Marquardt topped the charts with 26 points, but was followed in close succession by Duane Notice (19), Alex Kotov (18), Emmanuel Akot (16), Allen Billinger (15) and Devante Jamison.
The Titans, who pretty much chased the game from start to finish, also saw their offense spread around as James Towns (20), Joel Kindred (16), Tarkus Ferguson (14), Antoine Mason (12), Jaylen Bland (12) and Romani Hansen (10) all hit double digits in a losing cause.
Producing one of their best efforts of the year in terms of shot-making, the Five rang up impressive numbers in total field goal percentage (44/70 - 62.9%) and three-point shooting (13/23 - 56.5%) on a night where a woeful effort from the free throw line (20/30 - 66.7%) did not really hurt them.
K-W out-rebounded the home side 36-29, though clean baskets allows for limited offensive rebound opportunities and, for a second straight game, the officials kept a tight rein on matters, assessing 47 fouls in total.
With Sudbury Arena booked out with prior commitments, the teams will enjoy a one week break, renewing acquaintances next Monday, still in Sudbury, with game five if necessary set for April 29th in Kitchener-Waterloo.
