BALANCED ATTACK LEADS No. 5 MEN'S BASKETBALL PAST GEORGIAN, 88-61
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Humber | 21 | 23 | 26 | 18 | 88 |
|
Georgian | 5 | 10 | 23 | 23 | 61 |
By: Ronny Musikitele
Humber Athletics Sports Information
BARRIE, Ont -- No. 5 Humber (18-2, 1st West) opened the 2019 OCAA Championship tournament Thursday evening with a statement victory over the Georgian Grizzlies (9-11, 6th East), 88-61.
Fowzi Mohamoud set the pace early, going on a personal 9-0 run to begin the game. Humber's defence was locked in from the very beginning, preventing the Grizzlies from getting an easy shot attempt. With their defence locked in and their shots falling, the Hawks ended the first quarter with a 21-5 lead.
Kevin Otoo showed why he was named to the OCAA West Division All-Rookie Team. The young star went on a tear in the first half, scoring 14 points, on five-of-six (83.3 per cent) shooting from the floor. The Grizzlies simply had no answer for him as he helped Humber stretch their lead. DeQuon Cascart was also instrumental on the court, with his leadership and defence on full display in the first half. Humber went into halftime with a 44-15 lead, while shooting 51.7 per cent on 15-of-29 shooting, while holding Georgian to 25.9 per cent on seven-of-21 shooting - putting the game away early.
The story would remain the same for the Hawks in the second half as they continued to roll. Humber's offence got sharper and its defence continued to make it tough for the Grizzlies. It was a well-balanced offence for Humber as their depth continues to be a strong point. The Hawks bench outscored the Grizzlies bench 48-12. The team's athleticism also helped them outrebound Georgian, 43-25.
Kevin Otoo was awarded the player of the game after finishing with a game-high 17 points and four rebounds.
Game Notes
- Humber improves to 28-2 all-time against the Grizzlies - including 3-0 in the postseason.
- The Hawks have won five straight quarter-final games and improve to 10-6 all-time against the host team.
- Four players finished in double-figures for Humber and 11 players scored in the game.
- Humber shot 55.6 per cent from the field - its second-highest percentage this season.
What's Next?
With the win over Georgian, No. 5 Humber will play the Niagara Knights in the semifinal on Mar. 1 at 8 p.m
Scouting Niagara
- Humber finished the regular season 2-0 against No. 11 Niagara, including a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory at home, 102-95.
- The Knights are led by 2019 OCAA Player of the Year Van Hutchinson Jr.
- The Hawks are 7-0 all-time against Niagara in the postseason.
- Humber is 25-8 (.758) all-time the semifinal round.
