HAWKS POISED TO TAKE SOLE POSSESSION OF TOP SPOT THIS WEEKEND
Tied for first in the Western Division with a game in hand over Mohawk, the Men's Basketball Team are set to host a pair of rivals this weekend. The Hawks will be looking to stay undefeated since the break and continue inching closer to insuring the Division's top spot.
Since returning from holidays, Humber's defense has stepped up and become Ontario's best. In four games, all wins, the blue and gold have given up under fifty-three points a game, a mark that would lead the OCAA by more than ten points over an entire season. Among the biggest reasons for the uptick in defensive efficiency has been Humber's dominance on the glass, where they have combined to outrebound opponents by eighty since play resumed. The complete lack of second chances that the Hawks have afforded opponents, combined with the team holding them to the lowest field goal percentage in Ontario (32.9%) has kept the opposition with little room for error.
On the other side of the ball, balanced scoring has been the name of the game for the Hawks all year. Surprisingly, one of the provinces most potent offenses does not have anyone among the provinces top fifty scoring the ball. Rather than relying on one or two guys to carry the bulk of the scoring load, the Hawks have spread it around better than anyone in the province. Currently, six Hawks are averaging at least 8.7 points per games, while six are shooting at least fifty percent from the field. Saturday night's win in Sault was a prime example of how the team can beat you in so many ways, as Chad Bewley, Kenny Ejim and Curwin Elvis each scored double figures while shooting fifty percent or better from the field.
The race for the Division's top spot is now clearly between Humber and Mohawk, with the Hawks holding a game advantage in the loss column. The two will meet in the season finale, and Humber already holds a 1-0 season series advantage thanks to their twenty point win in the opener. The number one seed will likely result in an easier path to a Provincial Title, so these final five games may very well prove crucial come season end.
After Saturday night's 8pm match-up with St. Clair, Humber will play host to the Lambton Lions on Sunday at 3pm; the Hawks will be looking to wrap up season sweeps of both teams.
For full season statistics, standings, rosters and more please visit http://ocaa.com/sports/mbkb/2014-15/standings-include.
