HAWKS DEFEAT WATERLOO IN FINAL EXHIBITION GAME
ETOBICOKE, ON: Trying to remain focused on defending their national championship, the Humber Hawks men's basketball team played their fourth exhibition game during the month long OCAA holiday break. Trying to finish with a perfect 4-0 record and head into the second half of the season on a strong note, the Hawks played host to the Waterloo Warriors from the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) on January 3rd.
After altering the lineups and incorporating new plays to use in the OCAA regular season, the Hawks shot an effective 46.4 percent from the floor in the first half, yet trailed the Warriors by one point.
In the second-half, the Hawks were able to rally, ending the third quarter on a 7-0 run and taking a ten point lead. However, Waterloo would not go down without a fight, rallying back late in the fourth to tie the game at 78 with two free throws. Humber was able to record another basket before time ran out, winning the game 80-78.
Tyrone Dickson, the defending West Division Defensive Player of the Year, rejoined the team and will be a vital piece in the Hawks attempt to be the first team to win back-to-back national champions since Langara College in 1998 and 1999. Dickson finished the game with a double-double, recording 14 points and 11 rebounds, while adding three blocks and two steals.
Fourth-year forward Ancil Martin finished with a team-high 17 points in 27 minutes of action. CCAA Championship MVP Vule Grujic returned to game action after missing the last seven OCAA regular season games due to injuries. The six-foot-ten center from Serbia will be looking to make an immediate impact in the second-half of the season and into the playoffs.
The OCAA regular season will commence next week when the Hawks host the CCAA's fourth ranked program, the Mohawk Mountaineers (9-0) on January 13th.
