The Niagara Knights women's basketball program (6-2, 3rd OCAA West) returned to the win column with a 87-69 victory over the Redeemer Royals (3-3, 6th OCAA West) on November 25th.
Brooke-Lyn Murdoch (Welland) had a season high 22 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and four steals to lead Niagara to the victory. Three other Knights reached double digits with Emily Naccarato (St. Catharines), Mary Ingribelli (St. Catharines) and Xuan Nguyen-Marshall (Scarborough) each eclipsing the 10 point mark.
Naccarato had a season high 16 points in the victory. Ingribelli had 13 points to go along with five assists, three steals, and seven rebounds. Nguyen-Marshall extended the Royals defence, going four of five from beyond the three point line.
The Knights grabbed an early seven point lead in the first quarter, and would never relinquish is, as they played their most complete game of the season. "We defended well for 40 minutes," said head coach Mike Beccaria. "This was easily our best wire-to-wire game so far. The energy generated on defence led to a very good shooting performance."
A high pressure approach has been a key to Niagara's success thus far. The Knights forced 25 steals in the contest, and were able to limit the Royals to a 36% shooting efficiency.
In their final contest prior to the holiday break, Niagara will return to the court on Wednesday, November 30th. The Fanshawe Falcons (5-3, 5th OCAA West) visit the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.
