Women's basketball season ends with loss to No. 8 Lambton

By: William Shoukri
Humber Athletics Communications

SARNIA - Humber's season ended on Saturday with a quarter-final defeat to No. 9 Lambton (16-2, 1^st West). The Hawks fought from the opening tipoff, but a lead created by the Lions in the first quarter would prove too much to overcome for Humber, falling, 74-50. Kia Watt led the way for the Hawks, scoring a game-high 17 points. Sidney Crawford also had a good game, scoring 12 points on 50 per cent shooting from the floor. 

Game Recap

Facing the second-highest ranked team in the OCAA, the Hawks knew they had a challenge cut out for them visiting the Lambton Lions. The Lions got out to a fast start and Humber struggled to keep pace right away. Humber had no answer for Lambton's' defence and would struggle to get shots in the air. The disparity in scoring continued as the Lions increased their lead marginally with each possession. Humber would trail 23-7 after the first quarter.

It was a much better start to the second quarter for the Hawks, as they had finally shaken off some bad luck that had plagued their offence during the first. Sidney Crawford stood out for the Hawks, hitting two big three-pointers midway through the quarter to give the Humber the needed confidence. The Hawks stayed even with Lambton down the stretch but would trail 43-25 in halftime.

The pace of play slowed considerably in the third quarter as both teams played solid defence but also struggled to make baskets. Humber was the better squad during the quarter, outscoring the Lions 13-12, but Lambton's lead was still significant. After a lackluster first quarter though, Humber had shown that it was a quality team worthy of the matchup. The Hawks would trail 55-38 through the quarters of play but had fought and won their dignity back after a blowout opening quarter.

Lambton continued to expand its lead during the fourth. Humber fought valiantly but fell short. The Hawks could not return from the deficit created in the first quarter, and Lambton would win 74-50.

Game Notes

• This is the first time women's basketball will not finish with an OCAA medal since 2019.
• It was the final game for the head coach Ajay Sharma, who concludes his coaching career with an OCAA postseason record of 30-9.
• Kia Watt finishes the season second in the OCAA in minutes played and points scored.
• The Hawks fall to 1-1 against Lambton in the postseason.