February 14, 2022...WELLAND - The Niagara Knights men's basketball team returned to the court Friday night after an almost two year absence from OCAA competition due to COVID-19.

The Knights hit the road to open their 2022 campaign against Conestoga College that saw the Knights register the win with a 84-70 victory over the Condors.

First-year guard Reginald Williams led the team in scoring with 22 points, followed up by third year veteran Rahim Bardi (20pts) and first year Delroy Grandison who netted 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the blue and white.

The Knights outscored the Condors through the first three quarters of play before the Condors made a fourth quarter effort to try to pull ahead, outscoring the Knights 26-22.

Niagara played a handful of pre-season games in November and December before things once again paused to combat COVID-19 spread. For head coach Phil Mosely, the return to play in regular season competition was huge.

"It was great to be back playing in a meaningful OCAA game," said Mosley. "The win was huge for us out of the gate and starting the season on the road."

unfortunately for the Knights, the winning feeling was short lived after tipping off against Sheridan College on Sunday afternoon. Niagara battled hard through the first three quarters narrowing in on the Bruins lead, but the Bruins held on and cruised to a 91-72 win after a big fourth quarter.

Knights second year Welland native Kennan Larmand had an outstanding individual effort netting 28 points- including going 5 for 10 from the three point arc.

Mosley knew his team was up against a tough Sheridan team heading into Sunday's game.

"Sheridan is a very good team and we need to find ways to be more consistent on both ends of the floor," said Mosley. "The loss overshadowed the scoring performance by Kennan."

The Knights will look ahead to their match up with Fanshawe College (1-1) when they return home Friday night in Welland at 8:00 p.m.