DOMINANT WIN OVER FANSHAWE SENDS HAWKS TO PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
With a spot in the OCAA Championship on the line, the Men's Basketball Team faced off against Fanshawe on Saturday night looking to carry the momentum from an incredible comeback win in the quarter-final.
The Falcons came out in a full-court press, but it was short-lived as the Hawks second possession ended in a wide open Ancil Martin three. Kenny Ejim connected on a triple Humber's next possession and the shooting woes from Friday appeared to have subsided. The Hawks third long ball of the first five minutes resulted in Fanshawe calling for the night's first timeout; a Junior Davis freebie extended the early lead to 15-11. Davis continued his strong play, picking Moses Orozo-Rayo's pocket for an easy deuce and then hitting a runner with the foul. RJ Ramirez drained a tough fade away from the corner at the buzzer, and the blue and gold held a 24-18 lead after one.
Some cold shooting opened the second but Davis got the Hawks offense in gear with a throw down on the break. A couple of baskets in the painted area from Ty Dickson and Martin extended the advantage to fourteen and it was becoming clear the Falcons had no answer down low. Neither team was having much success from the field, largely thanks to strong defense from both sides. As time ran out in the half, Martin sliced through the heart of the Falcons front-line for the bucket and foul; after twenty minutes Humber led 36-22.
The third quarter got off on the right foot, as Kenny Ejim found Eduful on the break for an easy two. A minute later Martin glided down the wing for a pull up jumper, followed by an emphatic block from Dickson with Humber up eighteen. Chad Bewley hit yet another three minutes later, as the Hawks lead ballooned to twenty-two. A great slash to the bucket from Ramirez resulted in an easy deuce for Dickson and the onslaught was on for the blue and gold. Martin got to the rim again as Humber continued to attack the paint at will, and shortly after being inserted Matt Bukovec nailed a triple. With thirty minutes in the book, Humber held a 61-34 advantage.
A mini-run to open the fourth from Fanshawe was short lived, as an Ancil Martin dunk and triple from Bewley had the lead back above twenty. Curwin Elvis nailed Humber's eighth three ball of the night to against extend the advantage to twenty-four. With time running short it was becoming apparent that the Hawks dominant effort would result in a trip to the Title Game. At the final buzzer the score read 80-62, and if Humber continues the great effort on both ends tomorrow night the program has an excellent shot at their fourth title in the past seven years.
Junior Davis was named Player of the Game, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds and a couple of momentum swinging plays to his credit.
The Hawks will now take on Mohawk for the Provincial Title, and have assured themselves a spot at Nationals.
For full tournament information, please visit durhamlords.com.
