Thursday, March 2nd saw the Niagara College men's basketball program advance to the OCAA Championship semi-finals as the team defeated the host Centennial Colts 70-66 in overtime. The Knights will face the George Brown Huskies at 8:00pm on Friday with a spot in the OCAA finals on the line.
The Knights led the game 31-30 at the half bolstered by a buzzer beating three-point shot by OCAA second team all-star Lequan Hylton (Mississauga). The Knights stretched their second half lead to as many as eight, but the host colts refused to back dawn, battling back and forcing the overtime period.
In the overtime period, a late game three-pointer by DJ Morrison proved to be the proverbial nail in the coffin as the Knights took a five point lead with less than two minutes remaining that they refused to relinquish.
Recently named OCAA first team all-star Van Hutchinson Jr. was the catalyst for the Knights finishing with 16 points and 13 rebounds, both team highs. The six-foot-four native of Nassau, Bahamas was named the Knights player of the game for his performance.
Hylton and forward Jordan Wilson (Nassau) both finished the game with in double digit scoring with 10 points each.
The win moves the Knights to the OCAA semi-final where the team will face the George Brown Huskies who defeated the Fanshawe Falcons 76-74 in their quarterfinal matchup. Tip-off for Friday night's game is set for 8:00pm. For all OCAA Championship information please visit the tournament website at http://ocaa.com/championships/mbkl/2016-17/index