The Niagara College women's basketball program is set to host an OCAA playoff crossover game for the first time since the 2010-11 season. The Knights finished the 2016-17 season with a record of 12-6 and in fourth place in the ultra-competitive OCAA West Division.
The team will host the Centennial Colts (7-9, 5th OCAA East) on Sunday, February 26th at 1:30pm at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.
The Knights sport an explosive offense, anchored by veterans at all five starting positions, that ranks among the top teams in the league in points-per-game.
Niagara is led by 2015-16 OCAA first-team all-star Courtney McPherson (Welland) who averaged 15 points, and a west division leading 11 rebounds-per-game this season. Fellow Welland native Brooke-Lyn Murdoch is having her best season in a Knights uniform, the fourth-year guard is averaging 12 points, four rebounds, and three steals per game.
Former Governor Simcoe standout Mary Ingribelli has been red hot since the mid-season break. The third-year St. Catharines native is averaging 11.5 points-per-game, but more recently is coming off a pair of double-doubles that saw her named OCAA women's basketball athlete of the week.
Rounding out the Knights veteran core is floor general Alyssa McCabe (Niagara Falls). The fourth year workhorse is the battery that powers the Knights' attack averaging nine points, five rebounds, and four assists per game from the point guard position.
Centennial will counter with a dynamic forward of their own in Yasmeen Smith who leads here team in scoring with 14.7 points and a conference leading 11.8 rebounds-per-game.
Tip-off for Sunday's matchup is set for 1:30pm at the Welland Athletic Centre. Admission is free for all current Niagara College students, and those under the age of 18. For all other members of the Niagara College community tickets cost $5.00. For those unable to be in attendance, the game will be live broadcasted at www.goknights.ca/watchlive.