BRAMPTON, Ont. - The Algonquin Thunder became the first team to punch their ticket to the semi-final round of the 2014 belairdirect OCAA Men's Basketball Championship, defeating divisional rival Durham 89-70.

It was a quick start for the Thunder, jumping out ton 18-7 first quarter lead on the strength of a 12-2 run.

Durham was able to narrow the gap to six heading into the second period, with Algonquin in front 22-16.

Early in the second frame, pushed their advantage as high as 17, before Durham pulled it back to just 10.

The Thunder slowly built their lead back up and were in front 53-36 at the break.

Over the course of the second half Durham tried to mount a number of rallies, but each was thwarted by the regular season East Division champions.

Njuguna Waiganjo scored a game-high 31 points for Algonquin, with Tyrelle Samuels (21), Louis Boursiquot (11) and Derrek Mooney (10) also hitting double figures.

Brandon Heath led the way for the Lords with 25 points, followed by Ajahmo Clarke with 16.

Algonquin will play the winner of the Humber-Seneca match-up in tomorrow's first semi-final, while Durham will play the loser in the bronze medal quarter-final.

Championship Website: 2014ocaambb.com

OCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Thursday, February 27
Quarter-Finals
Game 1 - Algonquin 89, Durham 70
Game 2 - Seneca vs. Humber - 3 p.m.
Game 3 - Fanshawe vs. Mohawk - 6 p.m.
Game 4 - Sheridan vs. George Brown - 8 p.m.

Friday, February 28
Bronze Quarter-Finals
Game 5 - Durham vs. Loser Game 2 - 1 p.m.
Game 6 - Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 - 3 p.m.
Semi-Finals
Game 7 - Algonquin vs. Winner Game 2 - 6 p.m.
Game 8 - Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 - 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 1
Bronze Semi-Finals
Game 9 - Loser Game 7 vs. Winner Game 6 - 10 a.m.
Game 10 - Loser Game 8 vs. Winner Game 5 - 12 p.m.
Bronze Medal Match
Game 11 - Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 10 - 5 p.m.
Winning team presented OCAA Bronze Medal at conclusion of match
Gold Medal Match
Game 12 - Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8 - 7 p.m.
OCAA Gold and Silver Medals presented at conclusion of match

Source: Sheridan College