The Niagara Knights women's basketball team (8-9, 5th OCAA West) dropped a pair of weekend games on the road against the St. Clair Saints (11-5, 4th OCAA West) and Lambton Lions (7-9, 7th OCAA West).
Despite the pair of losses, Miranda Ross (St. Catharines) became the Knights all-time career leader in three-point baskets made. Ross recorded five buckets from beyond three-point arc to record the 72nd three-pointer of her career. Her total eclipses the previous mark of 69 that was set by former Knight Jessica James during her career with the Knights from 2005-10.
The Knights began their weekend road trip in Windsor against the Saints. It was a slow start in the first half that put the Knights behind the 8-ball from the beginning. Niagara was outscored 42-18 in the first half. As a team that likes to play controlled basketball, the Saints were able to up the tempo on the Knights to put them into some uncomfortable situations. It was a different story in the second half, as the Knights outscored the Saints 30-24, but it was not enough to complete the comeback. St. Clair was able to hold on for a 66-48 victory. Alyssa McCabe (Niagara Falls) led the Knights with 15 points.
Niagara had a quick turnaround, visiting the Lions in Sarnia on Valentine's Day. Suffice to say, it was a heartbreaking defeat on a day of love for the Knights. After 40 minutes of action, the Knights and Lions were all tied at 51 and headed for overtime. The Knights were unable to capitalize, losing the extra frame 12-8 and the game 63-59. Kaitlyn McPherson (Welland) recorded a double-double for the Knights with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Courtney McPherson (Welland) joined her sister with a double-double of her own, adding 13 points and 10 rebounds. Ross collected four of her five weekend three-pointers, recorded 12 points, en route to setting the career mark.
The Knights will now return home to the Welland Campus Athletic Centre on February 19th against the visiting Humber Hawks (17-0, 1st OCAA West). The game will serve as Grad Night as the Niagara College Athletics and Recreation department will recognize the accomplishments of the graduating student-athletes prior to opening tip. The game is scheduled for 6:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5.00, while students and those under the age of 17 are admitted free. For those unable to be in attendance, all Knights home games are live streamed through www.goknights.ca/watchlive.
The Niagara Knights are hosting the OCAA Women's Basketball Championship on March 3-5, 2016 at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. Visit www.goknights.ca/ocaawbb for everything you need to know about the event.