The Niagara Knights men's basketball program (12-6, 5th OCAA West) hits the road on Saturday afternoon to open the 2016 OCAA playoffs. The Knights travel to Toronto to take on the George Brown Huskies (13-7, 4th OCAA West).
After taking four out of five games in January, the Knights are sporting an even 2-2 record in their previous four games in the month of February. Despite their record Niagara possesses one of the OCAA's premier offences, which they will lean on heavily as they strive for victory. Collectively the Knights finished the regular season in the top five of a number of offensive categories, including field goal percentage, offensive rebounding, assists, and points for.
Marako Lundy (Nassau, Bahamas), a fourth-year forward, will lead the Knights into the playoffs. This season, Lundy established himself in the Knights' record book on both ends of the floor. On the offensive side of the ball he moved into second all-time on the Knights career assists list, behind teammate Lequan Hylton (Mississauga). Defensively Lundy set the Knights single season record for steals with 41, besting his own record of 38 that was established during the 2012-13 season.
Aside from the on-court leadership of Lundy, the Knights top end offence has largely been built by committee. Three Knights averaged double digit points, including Lundy, Delroy Grandison (Kingston, Jamaica), and Jordon McDonald (Mississauga). McDonald was also a threat on the glass, finishing sixth in the OCAA with 171 rebounds.
Niagara is looking to buck the trend in their recent playoff trend. The Knights have failed to advance through the qualifying round in each of their last 3 playoff appearances, and have not won a medal since capturing bronze during the 2008-09 season. Last season Niagara fell 99-84 against the Seneca Sting in the playoff's opening round.
Opening tip for Saturday's game is set for 3:00pm. The game will be streamed live at www.sportscanada.tv/ocaa/gbchuskies/. If the Knights defeat the Huskies, they will advance to the OCAA Championship hosted at Humber College from March 3-5. Niagara would meet up with the Sheridan Bruins (15-3, 1st OCAA West) in the quarter-final.
