The 3-6 Niagara College Women's Basketball Program lost a pair of games this weekend. Friday, November 30th saw the Knights fall 55-43 to the powerful Fanshawe Falcons (6-2), while on Sunday, the team lost 73-66 to the St. Clair Saints (5-4).
Knights' Head Coach Ron Lemon felt his team had a strong game despite loss against the Falcons. "We were tied at the half, and playing good basketball, but we let them take 14 foul shots in the third quarter and that was the difference in the game."
The Knights were led offensively by second year forward Miranda Ross. The six-foot-one Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant student, finished the game with 11 points and seven rebounds.
On Sunday, December 2nd, the Knights returned to the Welland campus athletic centre and hosted the St. Clair Saints.
The high energy Saints pushed the pace of the game from tip-off and the Knights responded with a very strong effort. With the game tied 36-36 at half-time, the Knights returned after the break with an increased focus taking a 10-point lead mid-way through the third quarter, prompting Saints Head Coach Ken Ambrose to call a time-out.
The Saints' tactic worked, and the team went on an 18-3 run that proved too much for the Knights to overcome. The Saints outscored the Knights 37-30 in the second half en route to the 73-66 victory. Niagara was led offensively by forward Shelby Johnston and guard Allana Arundell who finished the game with 17 and 16 points each.
Despite the pair of weekend losses, Knights' Assistant Coach Don Larman said "I'm happier with the effort we are putting in compared to the beginning of the season. Now we just need to change the final output."
As of late the team has been unable to play at their highest level over a full four quarters. Coach Larman continued "We're close. We just need to rebound, box out, and execute like we can over four quarters."
The Knights finish 2012 with a trio of exhibition games against American NCAA opponents beginning on Tuesday December 4th when the team hosts Jamestown Community College at 6:00pm at the Welland campus athletic centre.
All Knights varisty athletics feature free admission.
