HAWKS MEN ON A ROLL AFTER SWEEPING WEEKEND
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
St. Clair | 18 | 18 | 24 | 36 | 96 |
|
Humber | 27 | 20 | 25 | 31 | 102 |
ETOBICOKE, ON: The Humber Hawks men's basketball team (5-2, 3rd place) won their fourth straight game by way of a 102-96 home win over the St. Clair Saints (4-5, 6th place) on Sunday afternoon at the Humber Athletic Centre. With the win, the Hawks swept both games on home court this weekend, as they knocked off the Lambton Lions on Saturday
The Hawks came out of the gate soaring, running out to a 27-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Their ability to get past staunch defending around the perimeter aided the squad in getting a number of somewhat uncontested baskets.
Humber outscored the visiting Saints 20-18 in the second quarter, and the coaching staff was able to get a number of minutes from the bench. The ability to rest their starters, especially with their second game in less than 24 hours, was key.
The score at the break was Humber 47 to St. Clair's 36.
Jordan Rose (Toronto) and C.J. Bennett (Brampton) led the way with 7 points each at the half, while Ancil Martin (Scarborough) and Tyrone Dickson (Scarborough) kicked in 6 rebounds each.
The third quarter mirrored much of the game to that point. Humber extended the lead to a few points over the 10 points spread, only to see the Saints bring it to no closer than 8.
The fourth quarter looked to belong to St. Clair as they zeroed in on the Hawks lead, and with 3:30 left to play, they only trailed by 5. Although Humber were able to hold onto the lead, they turned the ball over a number of times, most of them unforced. If not for the play of C.J. Bennett, the lead could have changed before the game got to the final minute mark.
With the scoreboard indicating a slim Humber lead with 1:30 to go, it was the Hawks defence that took over. This led to many late transition buckets which helped salt the game away for the home team.
"This is a gruelling part of the schedule", said Hawk head coach Patrick Au, "but winning two games at this level in less than 24 hours can only be a positive."
Ancil Martin and C.J. Bennett led the Humber team on the day, with 20 points each. All in all, five Hawks scored in double figures.
St. Clair was led by William Lara-Caston, and his 23 point effort, 19 of which that came in the first half. Charles Baskin also had an outstanding day, with 20.
The Hawks have two games remaining on the Fall portion of their season schedule, with the first a roadie on December 3 at Redeemer before returning home to battle the Mohawk Mountaineers on December 7 to close out the schedule. Mohawk and Humber have competed for the OCAA title in the last two OCAA championship games. The Hawks lost in 2015, but responded by winning the CCAA National Championship. Humber defeated the Mountaineers last year on home court to claim the OCAA crown.
