RECAP: Knights improve to .500 with commanding victory over Saints

RECAP: Knights improve to .500 with commanding victory over Saints

Sunday November 5th saw the Niagara Knights (2-2, 5th OCAA West) women's basketball program defeat the St. Clair Saints (1-2, 9th OCAA West) 82-62. The victory brings the Knights season record back to .500 at 2-2.

The Knights flew out of the gate in the first quarter, scoring 14 of the first 16 points. After the massive run by the Knights, the Saints would claw their way back from a massive lead and finish the half only down by 8 (34-26).

The Knights would erupt in the third quarter, scoring a game high 27 points and widening the lead to 23 (61-38). During the fourth quarter, the Knights would lock down defensively and capture the victory 82-62.

The Knights reserves were a major factor in their victory Sunday afternoon, outscoring the Saints' bench 37-10. First year guard Brooke Cesar (Brantford, Ont.) and second year Kaitlyn Mahu (Sarnia, Ont.) led the reserves with 10 points and 14 points respectively. The Knights will rely on these kind of performances from their bench players if they hope to find success later in the season.

The Knights were yet again paced offensively by veteran's Courtney Kilyk (Fonthill, Ont.) and Mary Ingribelli (St. Catharines, Ont.). Kilyk finished the game with a team high 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, while Ingribelli finished with an impressive 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.

"Today's win was massive and timely" said Knights' head coach Mike Beccaria. "It was massive because St. Clair is a good ball team, a definite medal contender. Timely because of the resilience shown by the players following the tough loss against Fanshawe."

The Knights will look to go above .500 for the first time this season when they host the Lambton Lions (0-3, 10th OCAA West) at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre Thursday, November 9th.