No.11 HAWKS UPSET No.4 MOHAWK IN OCAA SHOWDOWN
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mohawk | 12 | 19 | 16 | 28 | 75 |
|
Humber | 11 | 19 | 19 | 33 | 82 |
By: Eugenio Garro
ETOBICOKE, ON: It isn't easy to win back-to-back National Championships but that's the challenge the Humber Hawks men's basketball team faces this season. Behind a game-high 21 points from fourth-year guard Gibson Eduful (Toronto), the no.11 Hawks upset no.4 Mohawk Mountaineers 82-75.
"It was a tough game and we expect that every time we play them," said assistant coach James DePoe. "They've been one of the best teams in the league for the last 6 or 7 years and they always play us hard."
The Hawks and Mountaineers went back and forth throughout the first half in what was a very entertaining fast paced game. Both teams were playing excellent defence and Mohawk was able to hold the Hawks to a season-low 26.2 percent shooting in the first half. When time ran out in the second quarter, Mohawk was ahead by a score of 31-30.
After the break, some adjustments the Hawks coaching staff implemented began to pay dividends. After struggling in the first-half, Humber began to find their stroke and shot an efficient 57.6 percent from the floor.
With a strong third quarter the Hawks were able to grab the lead 49-47.
Mohawk came out flying in the fourth quarter hitting back-to-back threes but the Hawks didn't let-up, keeping pace with the Mountaineers. With time running down, fourth-year forward Ancil Martin (Scarborough) made three quick buckets to extend the lead.
Coach DePoe added, "To come out on top against a first place team is a good win at home for us."
The "Hawks Nation'" player of the game was Baljyot Judge (Brampton) with 14 points and 6 rebounds while reigning OCAA defensive player of the year Tyrone Dickson (Scarborough), who returned from injury, was a force on offence and defence as he finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks.
With the win, Humber improves to 7-3 on the year while extending their winning streak to season-high four-games. It was the third time in four games the Hawks knocked off a team ranked higher in the national standings. The Hawks also snapped Mohawk's 13-game win streak against OCAA opponents.
Next game for the men's basketball team is on Saturday, January 16th, when they host the winless Fanshawe Falcons at the Hawks Nest. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.
