WELLAND, ON: The Niagara Knights men's basketball team (7-8) had a much closer game than they wanted to but were able to pull off a 98-93 win against the visiting Canadore Panters (0-14).
The Panthers were coming off a loss last night against the Redeemer Royals, but you would never know it by the energy and passion they brought to this game from the very start. They took first possession from the tipoff and scored the first basket of the game, and despite bringing it close multiple times, they would never regain the lead.
A 12-point run to start off the first quarter for the Knights would lead to an early time out for the Panthers who were able to play a bit of catch-up late in the 1st quarter to stay within 8 points heading for the 2nd. The 2nd quarter was much of the same, but the Knights were able to build some momentum and outscore the Panthers 31-23 in the 2nd quarter. This would be the Knights' biggest quarter and would see them take a 16-point lead into halftime.
Canadore was not ready to give up as they played basket-for-basket with the Knights in the 3rd quarter trying to reduce the 16-point deficit, but the Knights had plans of their own and were able to carry their lead into the 4th quarter. This is where it got a bit scary for the Knights. The Canadore bench was getting louder and louder after every basket made in the 4th quarter and every momentum flip in favor of the Panthers. You could see the frustration building for the Knights as they were outscored 25-14 in the final frame. Fortunately, this would be enough to carry out the 5-point victory.
The Knights were once again led by 1st year guard Joseph Buckley, which seems to be a trend this year. He scored an incredible 29 points along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals and played a team-high 30 minutes. 2nd year transfer guard Chris Spann also had a solid game, adding 20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Joseph and Chris combined for nearly half of the team's points in this match. They were assisted by another 1st year guard who has stepped up big when the team has needed him most this year. Noah Li contributed 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal playing the most minutes of any player coming off the bench in this one (23 minutes).
The Knights will look to regroup quickly from this one as their next game is only 3 days away when they host the Sheridan Bruins on Wednesday, February 4th. Tipoff is scheduled for 8pm at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre in Welland, immediately following the women's game. If you cannot join us in person, be sure to stream the action at ocaalive.com.
For more information on the Knights' teams, please visit us at www.goknights.ca.
