NLL Finals: Buffalo wins Game 1, edging Albany 12-8 | Sports

The visiting Bandits won Game 1 of the best-of-three NLL Finals, 12-8, over the Albany FireWolves at MVP Arena on Friday night.

The teams were tied at 4 after the first quarter, with Buffalo scoring two on the power play. Albany took a 6-5 lead into halftime, but the Bandits took the lead for good in the third quarter.

Josh Byrne led Buffalo with three goals and four assists, while Dhane Smith had two goals and nine assists. Matt Vinc made 37 saves.

Ethan Walker led Albany with two goals and five assists. Alex Simmons added two goals and four assists, while Tye Kurtz had two goals and two assists. Doug Jamieson made 44 saves.

The second game will take place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

Ox 4 1 2 5 — 12

Albania 4 2 0 2 — 8