The bandits at the dawn of another championship

BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 3: The Buffalo Bandits celebrate after winning the final NLL championship game against the Colorado Mammoth at KeyBank Center on June 3, 2023 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images for NLL)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The stage is set for a dynastic Saturday night in Banditland.

Buffalo can win back-to-back National Lacrosse League championships and the sixth professional indoor lacrosse title in franchise history with another home win at KeyBank Center after winning 12-8 in the best-of-breed opener. three NLL finals on Friday. night in Albany.

Playing in the Championship Series for the fourth consecutive NLL playoffs, the Bandits took control in the second half of what was a close game early with an Albany team making its first appearance in the Finals.

Bandits star Dhane Smith set a playoff career high with 11 points (two goals, nine assists) and passed coach John Tavares for the most playoff assists in franchise history. the NLL (120). League MVP Josh Byrne added three goals and four assists, while Chris Cloutier scored twice and had four assists.

After five lead changes in the first half, Chase Fraser put the Bandits ahead at 3:03 of the third quarter on a goal that was initially overturned before Tavares successfully challenged Fraser’s foot did not fall into the crease before the ball crossed the goal. double.

Matt Vinc made 23 of his 37 saves in the second half as the Bandits outscored the FireWolves 7-2 after halftime.