BATTLE OF OTTAWA

Two teams with a combined 26 wins meet in the nation's capital on Wednesday, with more than bragging rights on the line.

Front running La Cité (14-4) and third-place Algonquin (12-6) are both fighting for an automatic berth into the OCAA quarter-finals, with the top two teams in the east region earning byes to provincials.

A win for La Cité would secure that invite with one regular season game remaining, while a win for Algonquin will throw the east into flux, with St. Lawrence-Kingston (13-5) also in the mix.

The Coyotes and Algonquin last met back on Oct. 23, with La Cité pulling out a 61-49 victory. Second-year forward Hess Mayele (Montreal) scored an impressive 27 points in the win. He and fifth-year player Daniel Gracia (Ottawa) continue to be the OCAA's top scoring teammates averaging 19.5 and 20.1 points per game, respectively. The two are fourth and fifth in OCAA scoring.

Following Wednesday's game, both Ottawa teams close their regular seasons at home against Fleming (7-11). St. Lawrence plays twice on the road against Durham (6-12) and Centennial (5-13).

SENSING SIXTH

Another key game in the east region takes place on Wednesday, with Seneca (8-9) hosting Loyalist (7-10).

With Seneca holding the sixth and final playoff spot, Loyalist can move into a tie with a victory (and a sweep of the head-to-head regular season series). The Lancers defeated Seneca 90-80 on Jan. 29. A loss, and Loyalist's season will be on life support.

With Fleming and Georgian (9-9) hovering around sixth in the standings (especially with the latter set to visit Seneca next Tuesday), there is no margin for error for these teams.

BRU CREW

Sheridan v. Humber did not disappoint, with the Bruins pulling off a 75-74 win on the road. As a result, Sheridan (14-3) is one win away from clinching first place in the east region, and securing a bye into the OCAA championship tournament.

Third-year forward Adam Elhereich (Mississauga) recorded a double-double in victorious fashion. Elhereich scored a team-high 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while also contributing two assists and one steal.

It is the second time this season that Sheridan and Humber played to a one-point decision. Humber won 57-56 back in November.

The Bruins now have the longest winning streak in the OCAA at seven games.

BATTLE OF HAMILTON

Saturday's game between Mohawk (13-4) and Redeemer (6-11) will have a lot riding on the outcome, at least for one team.

Depending on Sheridan's outcome at home to Fanshawe (4-13) on Friday, Mohawk could be playing for a share of first place in the west region. In the event of a two- or three-way tie atop the standings, a complex tiebreaker will be used to sort out the seeding. Sheridan, Humber and Mohawk are 1-1 against each other this season.

Redeemer is still fighting for its playoff life, holding the sixth and final post-season spot in the west. A win and the Royals will at least finish the regular season in a tie, with Sault (5-11) and St. Clair (5-11) still having an opportunity to close ground. St. Clair visits Cambrian (1-15) in a doubleheader, while Sault hosts back-to-back games against Lambton (11-5).

RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications