January 13th, 2020… WELLAND – The Niagara College Knights women's basketball team dropped a tough one in their 2020 opening game at home to the Conestoga Condors, 73-69.
After a tough first half of the season with just one win, the Knights were looking to turn things around to start 2020 in their first game of the new decade.
All things seemed to be pointing upwards for Niagara, playing a strong first and second quarter to end the half with a 48-28 lead over the Condors.
Things unravelled for the Knights in the third when Conestoga seemed to wake up, allowing the Knights just 11 points, while they went on to score 26 and tie things up to end the third at 47-47.
The fourth became a battle as the Knights desperately tried to stave off the Condors, but their efforts were not enough; as Conestoga went on to get the 73-69 win.
Head coach Chris Rao was visibly frustrated after his team's loss after a solid first half from his team.
"There was some positive takes from tonight," said Rao. "But at the end of the day we turned the ball over too much and we weren't good enough finish and win the game."
Conestoga moves to 6-5 on the year, while the Knights drop to 1-8.
Third-year guard Kaisen MacKinnon (3rd year, Cole Harbour, N.S.) led the Knights in scoring with 22 points, while rookie guard Mackenzie Schroeder (1st year, St. Catharines) added 19.
The Knights will head out on the road Tuesday night to tip-off against the Sheridan Bruins (5-4) at 6:00 P.M., before returning home for a home-and- home series with Sault College Jan 25th and 26th.
