By: Julian Orlando 

Despite trailing by as much as 12-points in the opening quarter, the No. 7 nationally ranked Mohawk Mountaineers found their rhythm to win their eighth game in nine contests, 104-91 over the Sheridan Bruins.

The Mountaineers went on a 20-8 run in the final 4:45 of the first quarter to cut into the Bruins double digit lead.

In the second quarter Mohawk locked in defensively, holding Sheridan to 15 points to head into halftime up seven.

The third quarter was much of the same with the Mountaineers controlling the pace and making six of their 16 threes in the quarter. Mohawk was then able to hold on in the final frame.

Head coach Brian Jonker acknowledged the slow start for the Mountaineers, but credited the guys for finding a way to get back in it.

"We didn't start very well in the first quarter, but I think we stuck with it. We made shots and moved the ball," Jonker said. "I think our ball pressure created a lot of turnovers, and defensively in the second half we were much better, and it created opportunities on the offense."

Mohawk had three players score 20-plus points, led by Jerry Jr. Mercury's (Scarborough, ON) season-high 25. Stefan Anisko (Haldimand County, ON) came off the bench for 23 points and Rommel Calura (Hamilton, ON) knocked down a team-high six threes en route to 22 points.  

Daniel Graham (Hamilton, ON) stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals, while Mackenzie Hart (Hamilton, ON) had a near double-double with eight points and 12 rebounds.

The Mountaineers head into the holiday break with an 8-1 record and sit first-place in the OCAA west division.

They'll return to action Jan. 6-7 for exhibition play before hosting the Niagara Knights on Jan. 14 at 3 p.m.

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