MEN'S BASKETBALL OPENS SEASON WITH WIN AT FANSHAWE, 96-70

By: Ronny Musikitele
Humber Athletics Sports Information

LONDON, Ont -- It was all smiles and cheers for the Humber Hawks men's basketball team Friday evening in London. The Hawks opened their regular season with an impressive 96-70 win over the Fanshawe Falcons. Everything the Hawks worked for during the preseason seemed to have come together at the perfect time. The fast-paced team showed just how explosive and athletic they can be when everything comes together.

In the first quarter, Micqueel Martin led the show on both offence and defence. After missing last week's action in PEI, he was fired up to get some action in his first regular season game as a member of the Hawks. Martin helped the team get an early 18-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Martin was not the only newly acquired Hawk to put on a show. The rookie, Kevin Otoo also came out firing and received loud cheers from his team all game long. The team's defensive intensity rose in the second quarter as they forced a number of steals. Despite being aggressive on defence, the Hawks shot 34 per cent (12-for-36) in the first half but still managed to lead at the break, 40-36.

In the second half, the Hawks began clicking in all aspects. Humber played aggressively on both ends of the court, knocking down shots and playing gritty defence. Despite the two technicals called against the Hawks in the third quarter, the team did not lose focus. After a big three from Kevin Otoo with 5:00 minutes left, the Hawks took their first double-digit lead of the game. Their defensive pressure began rising, and they forced the Falcons to back-to-back turnovers. After an and-one from Kevin Otoo, the Hawks took a 61-44 with 4:00 minutes left, running away with the game. The team never let up and continued attacking the basket. The third quarter was by far their best quarter as they outscored the Falcons 32-13 and went into the fourth with a 72-49.

There wasn't much for the Falcons to do in the fourth quarter but watch the Hawks take full control of the game. 

Kevin Otoo finished with 17 points, while Curwin Elvis and Micqueel Martin finished with 16 points, each. Jordon Francis finished with then points, rounding out the double-digit scorers for Hawks.

"This week in practice there was a focus leading into the season opener," said Coach Samson. "They came to play in practice, and it carried over in this game. They didn't shoot well in the first half, but I told them 'the shots are going to fall', and they fell in the second half. 

"When we're hitting shots like that we're tough to beat. It was a great first win to get under my belt. It's a proud moment for me, but now it's time to switch our focus to Mohawk next week. They're a pretty good team; it'll be another tough road game."

Game Notes

• Samson Downey - the 12th head coach in program history - picked up his first career OCAA win.
• Humber turned 28 Falcon turnovers into 39 points.
• Freshman Kevin Otoo - making his OCAA debut - filled the box score, finishing with a team-high 17 points, seven steals, six rebounds, and three assists.
• The Hawks improve to 36-21 all-time against Fanshawe in the regular season.

What's Next?
Humber continues its three-game road trip at Mohawk on Oct. 26. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.