On the road facing the third ranked team in the province, the Niagara College men's basketball (3-9, 8th West) program challenged the Fanshawe Falcons (10-3, 3rd West) on January 24. The last time these two programs played, Fanshawe won on a thrilling last-second buzzer beater to defeat Niagara 78-76.
The first quarter started off quick for Niagara, as the Knights raced out to a 13-7 lead. Fanshawe rallied back, outscoring Niagara in the second and third quarters. In a game that saw nine lead changes, Niagara was ahead by three in the dying seconds of regulation. Fourth-year guard Kyle McConnell (London) hit a three for Fanshawe, sending the game to overtime.
In the first overtime, fifth-year forward Ryan Christie (Hamilton) recorded six of the Knights eight points, forcing an extra period of overtime. After 45 minutes of play, the Knights began to run out of steam, unable to keep up with Fanshawe, getting outscored 19-8 in the final frame.
This game saw a total of 89 turnovers, with 44 coming from Niagara which led to 37 points for Fanshawe. Once again, the free throw line haunted Niagara, as they went 23-40 from the charity strip.
Ryan Christie posted his second double-double of the season, recording team-highs with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Christie is averaging 15 points and 10.5 rebounds over his last four contests. Returning to action, first-year forward Delroy Grandison (Kingston, JA) had 16 points along with four steals, while Mississauga native Lequan Hylton had 14 points and four assists.
Up next for the Knights will be a set of home games against Cambrian College (0-13, 10th West) on January 31 and February 1.
