The Niagara Knights men's basketball team made their home debut on Sunday, November 3rd against the visiting Canadore Panthers. The Knights dominated from the opening tip-off, easily defeating the Panthers 107-55. The Knights' talent proved too much for the recently revived Canadore men's basketball team, which is competing in the OCAA this season for the first time in 20 years.
Knights Head Coach Steve Atkin called the victory a "solid team effort." All twelve Knights who dressed for the game contributed points on the score sheet. Third year guard Jimmy Bilenga lead all Knights' in scoring with 22 points. The 6-foot guard from Hamilton also added 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Knights starters saw limited action in the game, as the team led by 19 points after the first quarter. Starting forward Darian Rowe played just 14 minutes in the contest, but the 6-foot-5 Police Foundations student shot a perfect 5 for 5 and finished his game with 14 points.
Guard Matt Poirier of St. Catharines, had an impressive game scoring 16 points in just 16 minutes of play. While reigning OCAA West Division Rookie of the Year Alex Campbell added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Sunday's game capped off a busy week for the men's basketball team. The Knights travelled to Mohawk on October 30th for their season opener and suffered a tough loss to the defending CCAA men's basketball champions. The team also travelled to Rochester, and suffered a 67-64 loss to the Rochester Tigers on November 2nd.
The Knights will look to continue their winning ways on Thursday November 8th at 8:00pm as the team hosts the perennial powerhouse and 2011 OCAA silver medalist Humber Hawks. All Knights varsity sporting events are free admission.
Niagara College Knights varsity games are broadcasted live and archived by Sports Live.
