Looking to get back into the win column, the Niagara College women's basketball (3-1, 3rd West) program hosted the Redeemer Royals (0-2, 8th West) Wednesday night in front of a large home crowd. With four players finishing with double-digit scoring, the Knights cruised to a 79-62 victory.
The Knights back-court played a major role in the victory, wreaking havoc on defence and moving the ball well on offence. Welland native and former OUA standout Brooke-Lyn Murdoch paced the way with a team-high 18 points and game-high eight steals. Third-year guard Alyssa McCabe (Niagara Falls) narrowly missed her first double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points, eight assists, and six steals.
With the first quarter ending in a two point lead for the Knights, Niagara put on the pressure in the second. Great communication and lockdown defence by Niagara forced the Royals into shooting 2 for 15 from the floor for 13 percent. Niagara finished the quarter outscoring the Royals 20-6 and entered half-time with a 16 point lead.
Jesseca Brown and the Royals made a push in the third quarter to make the game close, cutting Niagara's lead to seven but never got any closer than that. After holding the Royals to 16 points in the fourth quarter, Niagara came away with the victory over a very tough team.
"It's good to be back in the win column," said third-year head coach Mike Beccaria, who recorded his 25th career win as a head coach Wednesday night. "It was a great win against a very dangerous team. I think we did a great job at containing their two prolific scorers."
Courtney McPherson (Welland) recorded her second consecutive double-double for Niagara, finishing with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Older sister Kaitlyn McPherson also finished in double-digits, recording 11 points with six boards.
"Kaitlyn looks to be getting back to form following her ankle injury," added coach Beccaria. "We are going to need her on the floor as much as possible this season."
Team captain Miranda Ross (St. Catharines) filled up the stat sheet as well, finishing with seven points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and four steals.
The win over Redeemer extends their win streak to five games, 18 of their last 19.
The Knights next game will be a tough road game against the Sheridan Bruins (2-2, 6th West) on Friday, November 13th.
