Game Day Recap: June 14th

Four quarters continue to be an issue for Niagara.

Stop me if you’ve heard any of these before. Friday night at the Meridian Centre, the Niagara River Lions defeated the Guelph Nighthawks 112-109, however it’s likely this win didn’t feel very satisfying to the River Lions faithful.

This was the second game between the River Lions and the Nighthawks, and more importantly, the first look the River Lions got at point guard Myck Kabongo (he was injured in their last game) and Marcus Lewis who signed with them earlier in the week.

Kabongo has been a problem for opposing teams this season, averaging 19 points, five rebounds and 7.6 assists per game.

“The approach is never different, we come into games thinking the same thing no matter who we are playing,” said guard Trae Bell-Haynes. “As long as we focus on ourselves and executing our game-plan I think we will have a chance at beating any team.”

Regardless of the new additions, the River Lions had an impeccable first half. It was quite the bounce-back from their game in Hamilton two nights ago.

The River Lions started off the game on a 24-3 run and led 29-15 at the end of one. They led 60-39 at the half and did not show any sign of letting up.

Marcus Lewis hit a three-pointer for Guelph to end the first half, but other than that it was all Niagara.

The Nighthawks showed some life in the second half, narrowing the gap to 14 points halfway throughthe third quarter. The River Lions had an answer, though, extending the lead back up to 20 points before finishing the third quarter with an 82-66 lead.

The River Lions followed up the quarter break in incredible fashion, opening with a 9-2 run to start the fourth. The lead was at 21 with 7:57 left in the game. That should have been a wrap on the River Lions’ seventh win of the season.

Instead, a Myck Kabongo three-pointer spurred a Guelph onslaught, and they outscored Niagara 39-21 in the final 7:30 of the game to almost steal this one.

This marks the third disappointing fourth quarter in a row for the River Lions, as they have lost the fourth quarter against Hamilton in both games, and again tonight.

The River Lions were led in scoring by Kassius Robertson, who scored 20 points on seven of 11 shooting with four of six from behind the arc. Robertson also chipped in elsewhere with three assists and two rebounds.

We also got to see a great game from starter Trae Bell-Haynes, who posted 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

The Nighthawks were led by Marcus Lewis, who put up 26 points on 11 of 21 shooting as well as four rebounds and four assists.

The Nighthawks also got solid production from Myck Kabongo, who posted 15 points, 11 rebounds,eight assists and two steals. Kabongo struggled to take care of the ball however, adding eight turnovers.

Overall, the River Lions shot 46% from the field and 40% from the three-point line, although they struggled from the free throw line. They shot 22/33 from the foul line (67%).

The Nighthawks shot 48% from the field, 34% from deep and hit 21 of 28 free throws, good for 75%.

The River Lions next game is next Friday at home against the Saskatchewan Rattlers.

By Nicolas Bueno