Niagara ends Hawks’ men’s basketball two-game winning streak

Feb 3, 2023 | Sports

The Humber men’s basketball team lost 67-64 to the Niagara College Knights, ending the Hawk’s two-game streak despite a valiant effort at a comeback in the fourth quarter.

This puts them at 8-6 so far in the 2022-23 season. They are currently fifth in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) West standings.

Niagara pressured the Hawks right from the opening jump ball, posting a score of 20-8 by the end of the first quarter. Both Niagara players Micah Nieuwets and Andrew Vandenburg scored three-pointer baskets.

Humber narrowed the gap for a while in the second quarter, but ultimately Niagara led 42-32 by the end of the half.

Humber made it a challenge when they tied the game 60-60 as time counted down. The Hawks went on a 13-point run in the fourth quarter, but by the final buzzer, Niagara had managed to squeak past the Hawks, 67-64.

In the previous two games, the Hawks narrowly defeated the Fanshawe Falcons at home 77-73, on Jan. 21. They travelled to Hamilton on Jan. 28 when they defeated the Redeemer University Royals 77-65.

Head coach Omar Miles said his team struggled against the Knights, which reflects their campaign so far this season.

Indeed, the Hawks were ranked number 1 at the start of the season by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association. Last season’s Ontario and National winners did not rank among the country’s top 15 college teams in Week 11 of this season.

“We’re struggling as a young team, with many new faces on the team,” Miles said. “We’re trying to figure it out. We’re trying to figure out how to find some support.”

There have been seven new rookies on the team this season. Miles did not point to any specific players but rather praised his team collectively.

“We’re good as a team,” he said.

Miles, now in his second season as head coach after serving four seasons as assistant coach, pointed to the importance of being defensive.

Humber guard Dwayne Lambert-Cadore, who scored 13 points and six assists during the game, agreed with his coach because it was “our defence” that sparked Humber’s near comeback in the fourth quarter.

Lambert-Cadore, who scored 13 points with five rebounds and six assists, said he has high hopes for his future in basketball.

“I want to go pro,” he said. In November, Lambert-Cadore won honours as the “Student Athlete of the Week.”

Humber’s top scorers were Lambert-Cadore, who scored 13 points, and forward Raheem Dennis, who scored 12 points. Humber forward Rahsaan Chambers also had 12 rebounds and scored eight points.

Lambert-Cadore spent 39 minutes on the court, the longest of any Humber player. This was the exact same as Niagara’s Reggie Williams.

The Niagara College Knights’ men’s basketball team’s record is 8-6 so far in the 2022-23 season.

Phil Mosley, head coach of the Niagara College Knights’ men’s basketball team, praised his team’s players, in particular, two of the team’s drivers in the game.

His team were led by the top scorers Williams — with 13 points, four rebounds and two assists on the night — and Delroy Grandison — with 11 points and three rebounds.

Miles also identified Williams as a particularly good player and is a concern for Humber’s defence.

Mosley called Humber a formidable opponent in a pre-game interview.

“Tonight’s a tough game for us, it’s always a tough place to play,” he said. “Our records are pretty similar, so I think we should be an equal matchup. But it’s always going to be tough playing here.”