The Niagara Knights women's basketball program (8-7, 5th OCAA West) will be looking to generate some much needed momentum as they visit the Lambton Lions (6-8, 6th OCAA West) and St. Clair Saints (10-4, 4th OCAA West) this weekend.
Coming off a loss last week in London, and with three games remaining, the Knights want to get back on the right track to wrap up the regular season. As host of the 2016 OCAA Women's Basketball championship, Niagara will receive an automatic berth into the event. However, it will be important for Niagara to cap off the season on the right foot before matching up with the province's best teams.
The Knights will open the road trip on Saturday afternoon in Sarnia with a 4:00 pm matchup against St. Clair. Niagara fell to the Saints on home court on November 1st by a score 72-56. Kaitlyn McPherson (Welland) led the way in that contest with 13 points, while Courtney McPherson (Welland) and Marina Painco (Oakville) chipped in 11 points.
The Knights will have a quick turnaround for a 1:00 pm Valentine's Day matinee against Lambton. The Lions sit two points ahead of the Redeemer Royals (5-10, 7th OCAA West) and are hanging on to the West division's final playoff spot. In their previous matchup this season the Knights fell to the Lions 64-59 despite a season-high 28 points for Courtney McPherson.
Entering this weekend's games Miranda Ross (St. Catharines) remains a trio of three-point baskets away from becoming the Knights all-time leader in shots made from beyond the arc. Sitting at 67 thus far in her career, Ross is two behind the career mark of 69 set by Jessica James during her career with the Knights from 2005-2010.
Niagara will return home on February 19th for their final regular season game when they host the Humber Hawks (16-0, 1st OCAA West). The night will also serve as Grad Night in which Niagara College Athletics and Recreation will honour graduating athletes for their accomplishments both on and off the court prior to the opening tip-off.
