Streak now at 11 straight for No. 3 Women's Basketball

By: Stefan Gerardi
Humber Athletics Communications

ETOBICOKE – No. 3 Humber women's basketball (11-0, 1^st West) has secured their 11^th straight victory this season after defeating the Fanshawe Falcons (6-5, 3^rd West) 85-62. The contest at North Campus Gym saw the Hawks play an all-around team game and dominate their opponents from the opening tip-off.

Humber shot 34-of-75 (45.3 per cent) from the floor and drilled eight shots from three-point territory. After a slow start from the free throw line in the opening half, the Hawks made nine-of-12 shots (75 per cent) from the charity stripe in the second half.

Match Recap

With the Hawks coming off back-to-back 32-point wins to tip off 2023, the third-ranked team in the country was ready to get back in the Hawks' Nest for an afternoon clash with Fanshawe. The Falcons started the season red-hot; however, they have lost three of their last four contests and understood how difficult of an opponent the Humber Hawks would be.

The Hawks began what would be a high-scoring first quarter on an impressive 12-3 run. The hot start translated into complete dominance as the Hawks carried a double-digit lead at the quarter's halfway mark. Fanshawe could get nothing going, and Humber hurdled ahead to a 36-20 lead by the end of the opening frame. Fifth-year veteran Brittney English led the Hawks with 11 points, including one deep three-pointer that sparked her team.

Humber took an early 20-point lead in the second quarter as the team went on a 7-2 run over two minutes of play. Although the Falcons started to hit their shots, Humber took their three-point game to the next level. Kia Watt drilled two shots from beyond the arc, while Sarah Baptiste also joined the three-point party with a deep bucket of her own. With four minutes remaining in the quarter, the tempo on the court dialled down, and the Hawks could not drain any more baskets. Fanshawe took advantage of sloppy Humber possessions but could only trim the Hawks' lead down to 19 by halftime.

The Hawks had a commanding performance in the first half. They shot 24-of-36 (66.7 per cent) from the floor and hit 7-of-13 (53.8 per cent) three-point attempts. Although the Hawks failed to convert any free throws, they smashed the Falcons in points in the paint as they led 18-0 in that department at the halftime break.

Etobicoke native Nicole Chateau helped the Hawks regain their 20-point cushion as she scored four quick points to begin the third quarter. The teams began to trade points, and the game's pace slowed down. Because neither squad could seem to gain momentum, the Hawks easily held on to their comfortable lead. A corner three from Sidney Crawford ignited an 8-2 Hawks' run to end the quarter, and Humber took a 25-point lead into the final frame.

The Hawks began taking their time with offensive possessions as they knew their sizable lead would take a miracle from Fanshawe to overcome. Even with Humber slowing things down, the Falcons were unable to cut into the Hawks' advantage by the midway point of the fourth quarter. The remainder of the quarter saw Ontario's top team cruise to an easy - victory as the defeated Fanshawe Falcons had nothing left in the tank.

Player of the game Brittney English posted a double-double as she led the Hawks in points with 17 and in rebounds with ten. Kia Watt had another impressive appearance, with 11 points and a team-high five assists. Kayah Clarke and Marley Bonnick also joined English and Watt as Humber's double-digit point producers. 

Humber Highlights

• Brittney English recorded her third career double-double and her first this season. 
• The Hawks have now won 25 straight games on home court, dating back over four years to Jan. 20, 2019.
• Nicole Chateau's mark of 35.7 per cent from deep is the fourth-best percentage in the conference.
• Humber improves their all-time record against Fanshawe to 49-21.

What's Next?

No. 3 Humber will look to maintain their perfect season as they head on the road for a date with the Redeemer Royals on Jan. 28. They will then return to North Campus Gym for a clash with the Niagara Knights on Feb. 1. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.