By: Jarrett Matthews
Reporter
Mountaineers men's basketball lost their home opener and second game of the regular season to the Redeemer Royals 106-95.
Redeemer got out to an early lead in the first quarter thanks to guard Foster Brown who was all over the floor on both sides of the ball.
The Royals were ultra-aggressive on defence which led to 19 turnovers by the Mountaineers.
Mohawk head coach, Brian Jonker, says that turnovers and some bad breaks were the difference in the game.
"I think that we need to be more aggressive," Jonker said. "You want to be the hammer not the nail. If you sit back and allow them to be that aggressive, that's what's going to happen. Our success came when we attacked the aggressiveness."
The Royals extended their lead in the second quarter, shooting 50 per cent from the field.
The Mountaineers were able to make it a close game with a 10-2 run in the second half, but it ultimately wasn't enough.
Jonker said that returnee Emanuel Otong (Cambridge, ON) was a standout in the contest despite not having played much recently.
"I thought Emanuel Otong competed all game," Jonker said. "He played a lot of minutes today and he's not in shape to play those kinds of minutes, so he's got big heart."
Otong provided the Mountaineers with 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Guard Daniel Graham (Hamilton, ON) led Mohawk in scoring with 23 points and nine rebounds.
Jonker was impressed with his team's defence at times.
"I actually though in the second half we had three or four times where we got good defensive stops and there were air balls that they ended up converting," Jonker said. "There were some breaks that just didn't go our way. In the long run I just think turnovers didn't help and second chances didn't help."
Notably, Rommel Calura (Hamilton, ON) added 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Mountaineers.
Mohawk will play their next game on Feb. 16 against the Sheridan Bruins at the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre at 8 p.m.
At this time no spectators will be allowed for all Mountaineers home games. Every game will be streamed on the OCAA Live platform.
