CONG-EAST-ION

Eight men's basketball teams in the OCAA east region can conceivably finish the season with better than .500 records. But with only the top six teams making it to the post-season, it is down to crunch time for those on the playoff bubble.

One of these teams is Algonquin (8-8), which visits first-place Durham (14-3). The reigning OCAA silver medalists are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs, and will likely need to win each of the Thunder's four remaining games to remain in contention. Algonquin has won two of its last three games, but haven't won more than three straight all season.

The Thunder are coming off a 73-70 upset of Centennial. Second-year forward Murphy Beya (Ottawa) shot 8-of-11 while adding a pair of free throws. Beya's 19 points was the seventh time in eight games that he hit double figures in scoring.

Durham is the host of this year's OCAA championship, and already has a spot in the tournament. The Lords can win the division outright with its next victory.

Centennial (11-6) visits Loyalist (9-9) in another key game in the region. While Centennial remains in contention for second place, and a bye into provincials, Loyalist is in a similar spot as Algonquin with less games remaining on its schedule. The best Loyalist can do is 11 victories; with five teams already hitting this plateau, the Lancers need wins and a lot of help.

KNIGHT MOVES

Niagara (6-9) has won three straight for the first time this season, and are putting pressure on defending OCAA champion Sheridan (7-9) for the sixth and final playoff spot in the west region.

Niagara is coming off an impressive 85-80 win over playoff-bound Redeemer. The Knights visit Lambton and St. Clair this weekend while Sheridan visits Mohawk (14-2) on Friday.

If Sheridan pulls off a major upset over the Mountaineers, Niagara will need to win one of its games this weekend to keep its post-season ambitions alive. The Knights host Sheridan in the season finale for both teams on Feb. 20.

BATTLE OF T-DOT

Saturday's game between George Brown (10-8) and Seneca (11-6) is also of great importance when it comes to playoff positioning.

George Brown is currently in sixth place in the east, attempting to hold Algonquin and Loyalist at bay. The Huskies control their playoff destiny if they can win each of their remaining two games, while potentially grabbing a higher seed.

George Brown is coming off a huge 77-69 overtime victory at Loyalist. Fifth-year guard Akai Nettey (Etobicoke, Ont.) scored a team-high 20 points, while first-year teammate Kasey Morris (Toronto) contributed a double-double with 15 rebounds and 14 points.

Seneca is trending upward having won four straight. Fifth-year student-athlete Felix Adjei (Toronto) has scored over 30 points in two of his last three games.

WHO'S UP FOR SECOND?

Second place in the east region is on the line this Sunday when St. Lawrence-Kingston (12-5) visits Georgian (12-6).

St. Lawrence will play its game in hand Saturday night at Canadore (4-13). Having defeated Georgian 87-83 in their season opener, the Vikings control their own destiny when it comes to earning the second bye out of the east.

St. Lawrence has won 10 straight, while Georgian has dropped two of its last three games.

RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications