Having won three of their last six games, including exhibition, Mohawk Mountaineers women's basketball begins the second half of the season with a rematch against the Niagara Knights on Saturday afternoon. The contest will be played at Mohawk College inside the DBARC gymnasium.
Action tips-off at 1 p.m. and admission to games is free for everyone.
Game action will also be streamed live on OCAA streaming platform.
The Headline:
In just over two months the Mountaineers will be hosting the CCAA National Championships, so the final eight regular season games will be crucial as they prep for both the OCAA playoffs and national tournament.
It has been an uphill climb for Mohawk through the first half of the season, starting the year with four straight losses. The tough start came after a preseason that saw the Mountaineers go undefeated against OCAA East Division opponents.
The journey to change the trajectory of the season begins Saturday at home.
The Matchup:
Mohawk comes in with a 2-6 record, holding on to the eighth seed in the OCAA West Division.
Niagara had a similar start to their season, winning their opening game but followed it up with three straight losses. Things began to change in late-November when the Knights won three of their final four games of 2022 to head into the holiday break with an even 4-4 record.
Expect this to be a defensive matchup as both teams do not allow more than 70 points per game. The Mountaineers have also established themselves as one of the better rebounding teams in the league, ranking sixth in the OCAA.
What Happened Last Time:
The previous matchup between these two is one Mohawk would like to forget. Despite holding the Knights to 60 points, the Mountaineers had one of their worst offensive games scoring only 25.
Since that game, that was played on November 24, Mohawk has averaged 73 points per game (including exhibition).
Who to Watch For:
Beth Minielly (London, ON) has quietly been one of Mohawk's best scorers and rebounders in their last three. In the final regular season game of 2022, the guard scored 14 points and grabbed nine boards, including six offensive. In the two January preseason games, Minielly combined for 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Taryn Mitchell was the key piece for Niagara the last time the Mountaineers and Knights played. The guard had a game-high 23 points on nine of 20 shooting from the field.
What's Next:
The schedule won't get easier for Mohawk. Following the Knights, the Mountaineers will host the undefeated Humber Hawks on Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.
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