November 29, 2025
NORTH BAY, ON: The Niagara Knights men's basketball team (4-5) travelled to North Bay, ON for their final contest of the fall term against the Canadore Panters (0-9). They were able to best the Panthers and finish the first half with a win, coming home with a final score of 94-81.
6 lead changes in the 1st quarter alone made it seem like this was going to be a very back-and-forth game and a tough one for the Knights to pull ahead in, however thanks to a 7-point 1st quarter for guard Chris Spann, the Knights took a 4-point lead into the 2nd frame.
More trading of buckets in the 2nd quarter saw the Panthers keep it close until the Knights went on an 18 to 4 point run to end the half and take a 12-point lead into the halftime. This would be the largest lead thus far in the game.
3rd quarter woes once again struck the Knights as they were outscored 24-17 in this frame. Although the quarter started out okay for the Knights, the Panthers stepped on the gas about halfway through the 3rd quarter and brought it to a 5-point game with 10 minutes remaining.
The Knights were able to hold onto their lead and ultimately pull off the 94-81 win. A strong 4th quarter from veteran guard Skylar Samuel would be a big reason for that, going 1-for-1 from beyond the arc and 2-for-2 from the free throw line – he made it count when the team needed it the most. Rookie guard Steven Jean Mesidor also had a strong 4th quarter shooting 100% from the 3-point arc to add 6 points of his own.
A number of players stepped up at different times in this game, proving the tenacity that is starting to show on this team. 1st year guard Nathan Reid was brought into this game for his OCAA basketball debut and scored 11 points in 11 minutes shooting 50% from the field and 100% from the free throw line. 1st year guard Steven Jean Mesidor was on fire from the 3-point line, shooting 67% as well as 100% from the free throw line. He tallied 16 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist in this match. 4th year guard Skylar Samuel recorded his first double-double of the season with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.
Head coach Lequan Hylton was asked to reflect on the first half of this season: "having such a young and new group, I am very proud of our team. Closing out a lot of their first semesters of college with a win and continuing to have a good attitude and team camaraderie through adversity [is admirable]".
The Knights will take the week off before returning to their regular practice schedule in preparation for the 2nd half of the season. Their first game of the winter term will be Friday, January 9th at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre. They are scheduled to take on Humber with tipoff set for 8pm, immediately following the women's game.
For more information on the Knights' teams, please visit us at www.goknights.ca
