No. 5 MEN'S BASKETBALL RALLY FROM BEHIND TO BEAT MOHAWK, 92-84

By: Ronny Musikitele
Humber Athletics Sports Information

ETOBICOKE, Ont -- No.5 Humber men's basketball (18-1, 1st West) rallied from a 15-point deficit to beat the Mohawk Mountaineers (7-11, 8th West) Wednesday night at the North Campus Gym, 92-84.

Kevin Otoo led the way for the Hawks, finishing with a career-high 22 points, while Jaylan Morgan picked up a double-double, recording 19 points and 13 rebounds. DeQuon Cascart also played well, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds.

Mohawk's standout Emmanuel Otong continued his impressive rookie campaign as he finished with a game-high 26 points and 12 rebounds. Cudjoe Masuka also recorded a double-double, finishing with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

The Hawks struggled to make some shots early on, and the Mountaineers took full advantage. Emmanuel Otong took control of the paint to start the game, helping Mohawk jump out to an early double-digit lead. With their tall length, Humber struggled to stop Mohawk from scoring inside. However, the Hawks refused to let the game get away. It was a complete turnaround for Humber in the second quarter, outscoring Mohawk 26-18, going into halftime with a two-point deficit.

The Mountaineers began the third frame on a 14-2 run. With their playoffs hopes on the line, Mohawk opened the second half like a desperate team. The Mountaineers took another double-digit lead midway through the quarter. After a big and-one by DeQuon Cascart, Humber put their deficit down to single digits. Jimmy Rich made his presence felt in the paint, helping the Hawks get back in the game. Every time Humber got back within five points, the Mountaineers would respond with a big bucket.

The Hawks began the final quarter down nine points, looking to give their fans another thrilling comeback victory at home. Humber's defence started to lock in. After a big first half, the Hawks began to lockdown Emmanuel Otong as he finished the game shooting 31 per cent (10-of-32) from the field. After back-to-back 3-pointers from Jordon Francis, Humber cut Mohawk's lead one. Another and-one from DeQuon Cascart gave the Hawks their first lead of the game with 7:45 remaining.

The gym got loud, and the tables were set for another classic ending. Jimmy Rich made the crowd erupt after a big two-handed dunk, which put the Hawks up one with three minutes remaining. With the playmaking of Zach Marcelline and the brilliant play of DeQuon Cascart, Jaylan Morgan and Kevin Otoo, the Hawks closed the game out successfully.

Humber's bench made the biggest difference in the game as they outscored Mohawk's bench, 47-3. Humber demonstrated their mental toughness throughout the game, proving why they are on top of their division. Despite the team's height disadvantage, the Hawks still managed to outrebound the Mountaineers, 61-53. Their ability to crash the glass helped bring them back in the game and close out successfully.

Curwin Elvis and Jordan Rose played in their final regular season game at the North Campus gym. The two seniors are the only two members remaining from Humber's national championship team in 2015. Elvis ranks eighth all-time in Humber scoring and he is also one game away from becoming the first player in the history of the program to play 90 regular season games.

What's Next?
No. 5 Humber will conclude the 2018-19 regular season Feb. 15 at No. 8 Sheridan (14-5, 2nd West). Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.