The Saskatchewan Rush are National Lacrosse League (NLL) champions for a second straight year after a thrilling 11-10 win over the Buffalo Bandits Saturday night.
The Rush swept the best-of-three series, hoisting the Champion’s Cup in front of a sellout crowd at SaskTel Centre to complete their first season in Saskatchewan in storybook fashion.
The game seemed destined for overtime but Rush transition/defender Jeff Cornwall scooped up a loose ball and broke in alone on Bandits goaltender Anthony Cosmo, then buried his shot in the back of the net with just 12 seconds left in regulation time.
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READ MORE: Saskatchewan Rush 1 win away from clinching 2nd championship
The goal capped a wild fourth quarter that saw the Rush turn a 9-7 deficit into a 10-9 lead, only to have the Bandits come right back and tie the game at 10.
Mark Matthews and Robert Church led the Saskatchewan attack, with two goals and four assists each, but the story of the night was goaltender Aaron Bold, who made 47 saves and was named the Champion’s Cup Finals MVP for his efforts.
NLL scoring leader Dhane Smith paced the Bandits with a six-point effort, but it was not enough as Buffalo continues to seek its first championship since 2008.
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Playoff MVP Aaron Bold summarizes Saskatchewan Rush win at new home -
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Saskatchewan ‘Rush Fever’ at Game 2 of the Champion’s Cup final -
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‘We love them to death’: Mark Matthews on Saskatchewan Rush fans -
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Saskatchewan Rush coach previews Game 2 of the Champion’s Cup Final -
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Déjà vu: Saskatchewan Rush have chance to hoist Champion’s Cup at home -
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Sask. Rush looking to clinch NLL title -
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Rush fever heading into Champion’s Cup finals -
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Global’s Joelle Tomlinson aspires to be Rush goalie -
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Rush head back to NLL final with win over Roughnecks -
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Rally held for Saskatchewan Rush
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