The Niagara Knights men's basketball program (12-6, 5th OCAA West) advanced to the OCAA Championship at Humber College on March 4-6. The Knights defeated the George Brown Huskies (13-7, 4th OCAA East) 100-80 on Saturday afternoon.
It was a high-tempo, physical matchup with the Huskies, which suited the Knights just fine. Niagara ecliped the century mark for the second time this season, dropping their 100th point in the final seconds of the game. It was a win by committee for Niagara who had five players reach double digit points. Marako Lundy (Nassau, Bahamas) led the way with 19 points. He was accompanied by Tyrell Rogers (Mississauga) with 17, Lequan Hylton (Mississauga) with 16 off the bench, and Jordon McDonald (Mississauga) and Johann Jenkins (Delhi) each grabbing 10.
In addition to his 10 points McDonald once again owned the glass, bringing down 10 rebounds to complete the double-double. Hylton was also his normal self when it game to distribution of the ball. The Knights all-time career assists leader recorded a team-high six assists in the contest.
Collectively the Knights shooting was lights out, especially as the game wore on. Niagara shot 41.8% from the floor to the Huskies 30.7, but it was the fourth quarter that made the difference. Niagara went 12 of 21 for a lofty 57.1% shooting percentage in the final frame. Entering the fourth quarter with a slim 7 point lead, the Knights dropped 34 points down the stretch to record the 20 point victory.
The victory marks the Knights first OCAA Championship apperance since 2011, when they lost to the Algonquin Thunder in the quarter-finals. Niagara will now take on the Sheridan Bruins (15-3, 1st OCAA West) in the opening round of the tournament at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 4th.
