SARNIA, ON - With the calendar year turning over, the Lambton Lions turned a big page on their season as they picked up their first OCAA victories of the season. The Lions (2-7) welcomed in the Sault Cougars (0-10), playing with a depleted bench, and promptly showed off their own depth in the series sweep. 

Saturday night saw Lambton play one of their most complete games of the season. Led by last seasons OCAA scoring champion, Branden Padgett netted 31 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in a game that Lambton controlled from the start. The immense athleticism from the Cougars kept them close, showing off speed and leaping ability. But Lambton was able to lock them down, playing some of their best defense of the year while showing off their 3-point shooting ability. Jason Marshell put up 20 for the home team, while every player who saw minutes put the ball in the bucket. 

Sunday afternoon took on a much more defensive tone. Forced turnovers, careless decisions with the ball, and missed shots from both sides led to one of the lowest scoring halfs in the OCAA this season, with Lambton holding the 28-15 lead. The 2nd half brought some life to the game as both teams nearly doubled their 1st half totals in the 3rd quarter alone. However a 20-0 run for the Lions between the 3rd and 4th quarter put the game far out of reach for the Cougars, bringing the home crowd to their feet and giving Lambton a big weekend sweep as they pursue a run to the postseason. Padgett was once again the high-man with 15 while Xavian Edwards notched 14. Jay Trojek put up 12, Marshell had 8, Bretty Holly had 5, Frank Benneh and Mark Lue-Hue had 4 a piece and Mitch Humby had 3. 

The Lions are in Mohawk this Friday as they take on the Mountaineers.