The Algonquin Thunder took an early lead and hung on for a 70-56 victory over the hometown Niagara Knights to advance to the OCAA semi-final on Thursday night. The Thunder will now play the winner of the quarter-final between the Mohawk Mountaineers and Lambton Lions.
The Thunder jumped up to an early first quarter lead and outscored the Knights down the final stretch to a 14 point victory. Algonquin carried a 13 point lead into the halftime break. However, the Knights would ride the energy from a boisterous hometown crowd to close the game. Niagara would close the gap to as little as two in the third quarter, but that was as close as it would get. The Knights would get into some late foul trouble and were unable to complete the comeback.
OCAA Rookie of the Year Jeylinh Bui earned player of the game honours for Algonquin. The crafty rookie recorded a game-high 19 points and four assists in the victory. The Thunder also received significant contributions from Amoney Abakar and Brianna Morrison who each added 12 points of their own. OCAA East Defensive Player of the Year Chiderah Obiahuba had 10 defensive rebounds.
For the Knights Courtney McPherson and Alyssa McCabe each had 13 points. McPherson added a game-high 13 rebounds to record a double-double. Fifth-year forward Miranda Ross had a double-double of her own on the strength of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Thunder will now meet up with the winner of the semi-final between the Mohawk Mountaineers and Lambton Lions on Friday at 8:00pm. Niagara will compete in the consolation semi-final against the loser of the aforementioned matchup at 3:00pm. All action will be broadcast live at goknights.ca/watchlive