With one game left before the break, the Niagara College women's basketball (5-4, 5th West) program went on the road Thursday night to challenge the Redeemer Royals (1-8, 9th West).
Second year point guard Alyssa McCabe (Niagara Falls) started the game off by hitting a three pointer and from there the Knights never trailed and eventually won 87-72. The Royals did keep the score close as they only trailed by three in the third quarter but Niagara would never allow for the game to become closer than that.
The Knights out rebounded the Royals 45-15, a major factor in why Niagara never trailed all game. The first half defense for the Knights struggled, as Redeemer shot 50 percent from the floor. The second half was a completely different story as Niagara was more aggressive, limiting Redeemer to 11 percent shooting in the fourth. "That second half defense was the key to our victory," said second year head coach Mike Beccaria. "The way we were able to make in game adjustments impressed me the most. Closing out the semester with a win was important to this program and they demonstrated that tonight."
After setting her season high in scoring last game against Mohawk, second year guard Anna Jaworowicz (Midland) went one step further against Redeemer. Anna recorded her first OCAA double double, setting career highs with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while adding in three assists and a steal.
Welland native Courtney McPherson also set a career high in scoring, recording 28 points on an efficient 11-14 shooting from the floor.
Second year guard Lindsay Moffatt (Hamilton) had a game high 28 points for the Royals, improving her scoring average to 19.6, good for third best in the province.
Up next for Niagara is the Knights Invitational tournament held at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre December 19-20. The Knights will resume OCAA regular season action January 7 when they host the Mohawk Mountaineers.
