The Niagara Knights women's basketball program (4-1, 2nd OCAA West) has a pair of pivotal Western Ontario matchups ahead this weekend. The Knights will take on the Lambton Lions (2-2, 7th OCAA West) undefeated St. Clair Saints (5-0, 1st OCAA West) on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Niagara will look to continue playing the athletic, upbeat style that has carried them throughout the early portion of the season. The Knights are averaging 78.6 points through the seasons first five contests while only surrendering 61.2 points defensively. The key for the Knights has been a consistent, balanced attack.
Courtney McPherson (Welland), Xuan Nguyen-Marshall (Scarborough), and Brooke-Lyn Mudcoch (Welland) are all averaging double digit scoring thus far with 16.8, 12.8, and 11.8 respectively. Alyssa McCabe (Niagara Falls) sits just below the double digit mark at 9.7 points per game. Niagara has also received strong offensive outputs from Mary Ingribelli (St. Catharines), Emily Naccarato (St. Catharines), and Kim Shephard (Woodstock) at various points throughout the season.
The Knights will open the western swing in Lambton on Friday night. Niagara will aim to drop the Lions below .500 in the standings for the first time this season. After winning the opening two games of their season, the Lions entering the game on a two game losing streak. Entering a tough atmosphere, Niagara will need to weather the storm early and jump on a Lambton team that has struggled to score in each of their last two matchups.
On Saturday afternoon the Knights will visit the St. Clair Saints in Windsor. The Saints have been the cream of the crop in the young OCAA season, sporting an undefeated record through five games. The Saints squad features a number of returnees who will be looking to avenege a season-ending loss in the OCAA consolation final to the Knights.
As the season begins to unfold a pair of victories this weekend would go a long way in solifidying Niagara as one of the OCAA West Division's top contenders. Tipoff on Friday night is scheduled for 6pm at Lambton. The game can be watched live by clicking here. The opening tip on Saturday afternoon is set for 1pm against St. Clair.
