LONDON, Ont. - On Friday night, the Fanshawe men's basketball (9-5) defeated the Redeemer Royals (7-9) by a final score of 71-66. Fanshawe is currently in fourth place in the OCAA West Division standings.

Redeemer was on the scoreboard first but Fanshawe took control early in the game and had a quick 8-4 lead. Both teams played tight defence and gave up nothing easy for the other. Redeemer had a one point lead until Fanshawe's Chavaun Miller-Bennett dropped a fade-away jumper to take the lead at the end of first quarter 16-15.

Redeemer came out more aggressive to start the second, taking the ball to the rim and drawing fouls. The Royals were up by as many as six but the Falcons chipped away and after a steal and jumper by Bryan McDonald, Fanshawe retook the one-point lead. The Falcons went into the half leading 34-33.

Redeemer started the half on a 5-0 run but Fanshawe came right back with their own five straight and retook the lead 39-38. Fanshawe's press bothered the Royals offence, causing a number of turnovers, which led to easy baskets for the Falcons. Fanshawe led by as many as eight but a three pointer by Redeemer's Almar Knowles cut the lead to five with one quarter to play.

Fanshawe continued to press and were up 11 but the Royals made a run and were within five with two minutes to play. Fanshawe took care of business done the stretch and won 71-66.

Fanshawe will play on the road next Saturday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. versus the Sault Cougars (4-8).

Source: Fanshawe College