Wednesday, December 13th will see the Niagara Knights men's basketball program wrap up the first half of their 2017-18 regular season when they host the west division rival Fanshawe Falcons (6-4, 5th OCAA West). The Knights are currently tied with the Falcons in points, but have played one less game than their west division rival. A victory Wednesday night will not only cap off an impressive home stand for the Knights, but also help them keep pace with the top programs in the ultra-competitive OCAA west division.
The last affair between the two programs did not disappoint as the game was decided by a single point. Both programs fought valiantly heading into the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but was ultimately decided in the last seconds of the game that saw veteran Knight Levi Mukuna (Hamilton, Ont.) sink two of three free throws to give Niagara the 61-60 victory.
The Knights must prepare for a Falcons program who has been red hot as of late winning five of their last six matchups. with one of their most recent victories coming against the CCAA No. 7 ranked Redeemer Royals (89-76). If the Knights hope to be successful Wednesday night they must find a way to stop Falcons' 4th year guard Chris Parker (Toledo, Ohio) who is averaging 22.7 points per game, 5th best in the OCAA. Shutting down Parker will be key if the Knights hope to close out 2017 in the win column.
After an impressive 36 point performance in the victory over Humber, veteran guard Van Hutchinson Jr. (Nassau, Bahamas) will be looked upon once again to pace the Knights offensively. His ability to create scoring chances for himself, as well as the rest of the program, gives the Knights a chance to win every night.
Tip off between the two west division rivals is set for 8pm at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.
