February 10, 2020… WELLAND – The Niagara College Knights split their weekend series with Sault College on Saturday and Sunday at the Welland Campus Centre.

Sault came into this weekend's games with just two wins this season, both coming from Canadore College (0-17). The Knights were coming off a big win over Fanshawe last weekend to sit at 5-10.

Saturday saw the Knights take a lopsided 97-69 win over the struggling Cougars. A win head coach Phil Mosely knew his team needed as a confidence booster heading down the final stretch of the regular season.

"This was a solid team effort, which was anchored by solid team defence and a great transition game. We had six players in double figures and received contributions from the entire roster," said Mosley.

Rahim Bardi led the way for the Knights with 18 points and 21 rebounds, while Kennon Larmand followed up with 17 points. Johnnie Richardson and Lequan Hylton each chipped in 15 and 13 points respectively.

Sunday's double-header with the Cougars did not go as planned for the home team. After downing the Cougars by 28 the night before, the Knights found themselves behind early, finishing the first quarter down by three.

Sault continued to ride their momentum of a half time lead of 44-36- a lead they would not relinquish down the final stretch of the game.

The Knights tried to make a final push late in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Cougars went on to win 87-83 and secure their third win of the season.

"We came up very flat and were unable to match the intensity of a team with nothing to lose and everything to gain from a road victory. We will regroup, focus on our remaining games and learn from this loss," said Mosley.

Third year guard Daniel Lokole, who had a season-high 24 points in his team's disappointing loss, led the Knights, while Sterphone Augustin led in rebounds with 14.

The Knights will look to rebound from their 1-1 weekend when they travel to North Bay to tip-off against Canadore College.