The Niagara Knights women's basketball program (2-3, 6th OCAA West) ended their three-game losing streak Thursday night against the University of Toronto Mississauga Eagles (4-1, 1st OCAA West) handing the Eagles their first loss of the season.
The Knights got out to an early lead in the first quarter and never looked back, the only time they trailed was 3-2, just moments after the game began. After taking a 27-19 lead into the half, the Knights continued to battle in the third-quarter and had their best shooting performance since their cold streak began, shooting 58.3% (7-13). The strong quarter helped them to a 62-50 victory. The Knights 62 points was the most they've scored this season since the 83-79 overtime victory in the season opener.
After shooting just 6.89% (4-58) from long-range over the course of their losing streak, the Knights made 40% (6-15) from the three-point line in the victory.
"We liked our defensive effort tonight," said Knights head coach Michael Beccaria. "This team is going to have to be a good defensive team if we are going to achieve what we've set out to do so it's great that we are trending that way."
Hannah Baker (Thorold) led the Knights with 21 points, including 18 points from behind the arc. Baker also added 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.
Bridget Atkinson (Welland) added 18 points to the Knights total, shooting 42.9% (6-14) from the field and 85.7% (6-7) from the free-throw line.
The Knights had a third double-digit scorer as Tia Stys (St. Catharines) had a double-double on the night, registering 10 points and 12 assists.
The Knights will travel to Sarnia to take on the Lambton Lions (1-2, 7th OCAA West) in their next matchup on November 16th at 6pm. The game against the Lions will take place before they head to Windsor to take on the St. Clair Saints (3-1, 3rd OCAA West) the following night on their weekend road trip.
