Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bandits are one win away from winning their first National Lacrosse League championship in 14 years.
It was a nail-bitter until the very end, but the Bandits were able to hold off a late charge from the Colorado Mammoth to take Game 1 of their best-of-three series, 15-14, on Saturday night at KeyBank Center in Downtown Buffalo.
Three of the Bandits' top offensive producers all season registered hat-tricks on Saturday, including a five-goal effort from rookie forward Tehoka Nanticoke. Veteran forwards Josh Byrne and Dhane Smith each netted three goals in the victory, with all three Buffalo forwards managing to register seven points.
However, the star of the night was Bandits transition player Nick Weiss, who scored with just 51 seconds remaining in regulation to break a 14-14 tie and give Buffalo the win.
The NLL Finals will now head to Colorado for Game 2 of the series set for Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. With a win, it will be the Bandits' first title since 2008 when they defeated the Portland LumberJax.
If a third game is needed in the series, it will be back at KeyBank Center on Saturday, June 18.
***Photo: Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits)
Losi and Gangi
