OSHAWA, Ont. – Heading into the final stretch of the season the Durham College men's basketball team knew they had to win to get in.
 
That's exactly how it went down.
 
They put together wins against Georgian, Loyalist and Fleming to lock up fifth spot in the OCAA east region and earn a berth into the playoffs.
 
Saturday night against Loyalist there were 10 lead changes, but they found a way to earn their 76-56 victory.
 
After the opening quarter the Lancers led 20-19, but a strong second allowed Durham to lead 39-31 at halftime. They did not surrender the lead the rest of the way en route to what was a "must" win game.
 
Against his former team, Funsho Dimeji (Malton, Ont.) was dominant for the Lords as he had the game's only double-double. He posted 22 points and 14 boards.
 
Julian Hinckson Jr. (Ajax, Ont.) was big under the hoop, pulling in 11 rebounds.
 
Offensively Brandon Halliburton (Brampton, Ont.) and Fioti Mabanza (Whitby, Ont.) each finished with 15 points apiece.
 
Tigh Chapman was the lone Lancer in double-digit scoring as he put up 17 points and seven boards.
 
This Tuesday the Lords will finish their conference play against the St. Lawrence Vikings before looking ahead to their championship qualifying game. As the fifth seed in the east they will play the fourth in the west – the Fanshawe Falcons.
 
That game will be played next weekend in London.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE LORDS
Overall Record: 11-15
Conference Record: 10-9
 
Next game: Tuesday, Feb. 21 vs. St. Lawrence Vikings (8 PM – CRWC)