Men's Basketball sweeps season series against Sheridan

By: William Shoukri
Humber Athletics Communications

BRAMPTON - Humber men's basketball (11-5, 2^nd West) won an intense rivalry matchup on Thursday night against the Sheridan Bruins (7-8, 6^th West) 93-85. Malik Grant led the way for the Hawks, scoring 17 points and pulling in 12 rebounds while going five-for-11 from the field.

Game Recap

The gym was packed on Thursday as fans from both Sheridan and Humber took in the heated rivalry game. It was a quiet start offensively for both teams as Humber and Sheridan were focused on defence. It wasn't just the defensive play that impacted the score, though, as both teams struggled to make shots throughout the first. It was an even quarter, with Humber playing better basketball but having serious struggles getting shots to fall. Humber routinely got open looks but just couldn't turn them into baskets. As a result, the game would be tied 18-18 after the first.

The Hawks came out flying in the second quarter, only allowing two points during the first three minutes. Humber would go on a 10-4 run to take a six-point lead as the game started getting physical. The rivalry was starting to earn its title as an altercation between Humber guard Romeo Osas Joshua and Sheridan's Jeziyah Excell-Johnson, which resulted in offsetting technical fouls. Humber continued to expand its lead, leading by 11 midway through the quarter. With just over two minutes left in the half, Sheridan would get its best quarter chance after a hail mary inbound pass would spring Excell-Johnson on a near-breakaway. Hawks forward Jayar Harewood would soar in for the dramatic block, getting the crowd and bench going. The Hawks would build on the momentum and go on an 8-2 run to leave the half with a 47-32 lead, their biggest of the contest yet.

Sheridan came out of the break resilient, attacking the rim and drawing fouls early on. Thanks to the plentiful free throws, the Bruins started to close the gap. Humber would stay even, trading baskets with the Bruins, but the Hawks would get into foul trouble quickly. By the six-minute mark, Humber's bonus was already in effect, meaning all fouls committed would send Sheridan to the line. It seemed like the Hawks couldn't do anything without getting a call, and Sheridan would get within six halfway through the quarter. At the midway point of the third, Humber had received 11 free throws compared to Sheridan's 26. Humber would leave the quarter holding on to a 69-61 lead.

Sheridan started flat in the fourth quarter, with Humber controlling the pace of play. The Hawks answered almost every defensive stop with a bucket, essentially creating four-point possessions. Sheridan would answer back, though, and the Hawks were left with an eight-point lead midway through the quarter. The final dagger for Sheridan was courtesy of Jalen Menzies with just over two minutes left in the game. The star guard drove the lane, beating two defenders and finishing with an off-balance left-handed hook, drawing the foul and hitting the subsequent free throw to complete the three-point play. Humber would go home with the 93-85 win. Leaving the rival Bruins with their heads hung. Malik Grant and Kyle Brown-Fazekas would both score double-doubles.  

Humber Highlights

• Game 111 went to Humber as the Hawks improved to 63-68 all-time against Sheridan in the regular season.
• The Hawks swept the season series for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
• Malik Grant recorded his third consecutive double-double, while Kyle Brown-Fazekas recorded his second of the season.
• Jalen Menzies' 337 points this season are the eighth most in team history.

What's Next?

Humber will travel to London to face Fanshawe (9-6, 5^th West) on Saturday, February 3rd. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM. You can catch the action at OCAA Live.