On October 3rd, the Niagara College men's basketball program participated in the 20th Annual SLC Vikings Basketball Tournament.
Game one saw the Knights face off against John Abbott College which ended in a very lopsided game. At half, the Knights led 39-26 and they never looked back. Led by 5th year forward Ryan Christie (Hamilton), the Knights defeated John Abbott, 92-65. Christie had a team high 20 points and 14 rebounds, while freshman forward Delroy Grandison (Kingston, JA) contributed with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Game two was a tougher match for the Knights, as they edged the Lambton Lions 72-70. Trailing by 4 heading into the 4th quarter, Niagara rallied behind freshman Trevon Ash (San Diego, CA) and his team high 21 points to pull out the win.
In the championship game, the Knights were in tough against the defending OCAA West champions, the Mohawk Mountaineers. After a hard fought 40 minutes, the Knights lost 81-77, taking home the silver medal.
Niagara's Delroy Grandison was named one of the Tournament All-Stars.
With last season's 3-15 record behind them, the Niagara College men's basketball program is now regarded as one of the best teams in the province. A silver medal finish is the start of what should be a very exciting 2014 season.
Next game for the Knights will be Thursday, October 9th as they host the Durham Lords at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. Tip-off is set for 8:00pm.
