HAWKS TO FACE ALGONQUIN WITH A TRIP TO CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE

Following a thorough beat down of the Seneca Sting, your Humber Hawks will go up against the Algonquin Thunder with an opportunity to play for the OCAA Championship on the line. A relentless attack that featured three Hawks reaching double figures, along with total domination on the boards (Tyrone Dickson led the team with 16 rebounds) allowed the Hawks to breeze through their quarter-final win with relative ease. An undefeated Algonquin squad (21-0), coming off a 19 point win over Durham in their own quarter-final match-up, await Humber in what should be a great game.

In terms of keys for tonight's match-up, Humber's ability to enforce their will down low should be crucial. The quartet of Greg Edelsward, Tyrone Dickson, Matthew Marshall and Brett Neumann combine for over 27 boards a game, and controlling the painted against a guard-oriented team like Algonquin will be critical. This season the Hawks have outrebound opponents by over twelve boards a game, but in their three losses are only plus four – the team's chances may hinge on their ability to create second chances and easy opportunities.

As far as guard play goes, the Thunder are led by fifth-year veteran Njuguna Waiganjo, averaging 20.9 points per game, and Derek Mooney, averaging 18.2. Algonquin's high scoring backcourt tandem will no doubt be looking to attack early and often, and Waiganjo is coming off an impressive 31 point performance in the tournament opener. Countering for the Hawks will be recently named OCAA Rookie of the Year RJ Ramirez, whose pesky perimeter defense will be huge, and Gibson Eduful, who possesses great speed and recovery ability while providing critical leadership for a team with some big-minute young players.

All signs point to a tight, gritty match-up, and with so much on the line it should be a great atmosphere. With a possible match-up with arch rival Sheridan a Championship possibility, you know the Hawks will be locked in and ready to go. Tip-off is 6pm at Sheridan – Brampton campus; to catch the game, visit http://ocaatv.com.