The Niagara Knights come out with a fifth place finish at the OCAA Women's Basketball Championships over the Algonquin Thunder, winning 70-63.

The Thunder came out fast in the first quarter with 2nd year Lauren Tebrake hitting the first three-pointer and 1st team All-Star Amoney Abakar getting a long two, giving their team a 5 point lead.  The Knights stepped up their offense with 4th year Alyssa McCabe scoring 6 points for her team and came out of the first quarter leading 18-16 over the Thunder.

Both teams went point for point with strong offensive play at the start of the second quarter. The defensive presence from Tebrake and the Thunder capitalizing on their free throws allowed them to go into half time leading 34-29 over the Knights.  1st year Xuan Nguyen for Niagara and the West Defensive player of the year and Knights Player of the Game, Brooke-Lyn Murdoch sank a three pointer each to keep them in the game.  3rd year Nya Gathoth was the scoring leader for the Thunder as she put up 8 points in the second quarter. 

The Knights came out of half time determined to end their season with a win.  Murdoch stepped up her offense, scoring two huge three-pointers, adding to her 10 total points for the quarter.  4th year Katie Flansbury came off the bench and led the Thunder in scoring in the third quarter with 4 points.  The Knights outscored the Thunder 20-12 regaining the lead 49-46.

The Knights could not be caught in the fourth as McCabe put up 7 points and McPherson contributed 6 of her own.  The Thunder's Player of the Game Jeylinh Bui played outstanding defense in the fourth and hit an exciting three to give her team life.  Abakar added 8 to the Thunders 17 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasnt enough as the Knights took the Consolation Final 70-63.

Abakar topped the Thunder with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals.  Gathoth followed closely behind with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.  While Bui dominated the boards with 7 rebounds, 7 points and 4 assists.

Murdoch showed her skill for the Knights contributing 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals.  McPherson controlled under the basket with 13 rebounds and 16 points.  McCabe also put up 15 points and led her team with 6 assists.