Story by Rudy Marinas
October 20, 2023 WELLAND, ON
The Niagara College men's basketball team tipped off their season with a tough 81-79 loss to the visiting Mohawk Mountaineers Friday night at the newly named Simplii Financial Athletic Centre on the Welland Campus. It was a highly competitive game that came down to the final seconds, with both teams trading buckets throughout all four quarters. Mohawk established an early lead, leading 25-20 at the end of the first quarter behind some great team play. Niagara came back strong and were able to go into halftime with a lead of 39-38.
The Mountaineers came out blazing to start the second half with some help from their bench, contributing to 15 of the team's 25 points in the third quarter. Niagara started a comeback in the fourth quarter behind guards Reggie Williams and Ethan Alino-DelaCruz, however, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Mountaineers as the knights fell short on a last-second game-tying attempt by Alino-DelaCruz.
Kenneth Reckley led the Knights with a strong 11 points, 11 rebounds double-double, and 4 assists. While third-year guard Reggie Williams led the Knights in scoring with 19 points.
The Knights are looking to get back on track as they hit the road for their first away game of the season on Wednesday, October 25. Tip-off is scheduled for 8pm in the Humber North Campus Gymnasium.
