No. 11 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WIN SIXTH STRAIGHT WITH ROAD WIN OVER UTM, 69-56

By: Ronny Musikitele
Humber Athletics Sports Information

MISSISSAUGA, Ont -- Behind Miea Campbell-Johnson's third double-double of the season, No. 11 Humber women's basketball (6-1, 2nd West) downed the University of Toronto-Mississauga Wednesday night, 69-56.

The headline leading into the game was the return of fifth-year forward, Laura Meadows. After suffering a major injury, she made her season debut and received a standing ovation from the Humber fans that made the trip to Mississauga.

 "She's one of our leaders on and off the court," said head coach Ajay Sharma. "On the court, she's extremely vocal and anchors our defence and gives us a level of toughness that we don't have when she is not there. She competes and just knows what she's doing. We just need to get some off the rust off her and her conditioning back. She'll be a big part of what we're doing."

The first half of the game was ruled by turnovers for both teams. The Hawks struggled to find a rhythm in the opening frame and went on a scoring drought. Neither team found success in the first quarter, as the Hawks ended the quarter with an 8-2 lead.

The Hawks began the second frame with much more intensity. The ball movement and the points in the paint helped them stretch their lead to double digits. Makeba Taylor - who finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists - helped the Hawks get rolling. Brittania Brown who also contributed big on both ends of the court, finishing with a season-high 15 points and four steals. Taylor and Brown's transition game helped the Hawks gain momentum. Humber went into halftime with a 30-17 lead.

In the second half, the Hawks play improved drastically. They came out the break much sharper and reduced their turnovers. Despite the Eagles converting on many big shots in the second half, the Hawks never let up. Miea Campbell-Johnson took over on offence and defence in the second half. She finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

The Eagles began to catch fire from downtown. However, Humber kept its composure. They maintained their big lead even when the home crowd got into it, willing the Eagles to attempt a comeback. With three minutes left in the ,fourth they trimmed their deficit to 12 points. However, the championship pedigree the Hawks have, made them close out successfully and come out with a 69 to 56 over the Eagles.

Coach Sharma spoke about the six-game winning streak after the game.

"I just think we're playing better. The habits that we stress every day are beginning to show. Our conditioning is getting to where it needs to be, and we're just playing more true to form. We're sharper in our own system."

What's Next?
No. 11 Humber will return to the North Campus Gym Nov. 28 to host Redeemer (2-5, 11th West). Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.