Day 2 overshadowed by brawl at Essar Centre!
Follow Lawrence Dusheski on Twitter @LD10 for all of the pictures from tonight’s madness, as well as information about suspensions and fines stemming from the brawl.
SAULT STE MARIE, ON–
DAY 2
Game 1: Sheridan – Algonquin
The most exciting game of the OCAA Championships thus far was marred by a brawl after the final whistle. The Sheridan Bruins defeated Algonquin College in double overtime by a score of 94-92, but tempers boiled over after the final whistle and players had to be restrained.
Algonquin guard Abdul Kosar missed a three-pointer with seconds left that would have given the Thunder the win, and before the teams could shake hands, fists were flying and security had to intervene. The game was an emotional roller coaster for all involved, but no one expected it to come to blows.
After both teams escaped with close wins in yesterdays quarterfinal action, they entered today’s semi-final’s anticipating a hard fought game, and both teams delivered, literally.
The top-ranked Algonquin Thunder started the game off hot, but the Bruins ended the first half on a 15-5 run to take a 36-34 lead into the break.
The stars came out to play for both teams, with Bruins guard Khalid Abdel-Gabar dropping 18, including 3 shots from long range. On the other side of the court, Algonquin was led by CCAA All-Canadian Njuguna Waiganjo, who had 12 points in the first half and 28 for the game.
However, the star player for the Thunder ended the season off on a sour note as he had to be dragged off the court after becoming involved in the fisticuffs.
Sources say that two players from both Sheridan and Algonquin will be suspended for tomorrow’s games. Names mentioned include star Waiganjo and Muller Kalala from Algonquin and Anthony Loungs from Sheridan. The OCAA will make an official announcement in the morning. Fines are also likely upcoming for both schools.
QUOTABLES
Sheridan coach Jim Flack – “I am not going to blame anybody on either team.”
Algonquin guard Abdul Kosar – “I didn’t have the energy to fight. I just played two overtimes.”
NPH PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Algonquin: Abdul Kosar – 22 points, 8 rebounds
Sheridan: Jelani Matthew – 21 points
GAME 2: Humber – Fanshawe
While the first semi-final of the night provided more excitement, the Humber Hawks and Fanshawe Falcons played a solid game, and Humber managed to squeak through with a 62-57 win.
After watching both overtimes and the madness after the previous game, Humber and Fanshawe did not tip-off until much later than expected. But once they did, it was an exciting game with both teams controlling the tempo for extended periods.
The OCAA West champion Humber Hawks started the game off slow, as they were down by as many as nine points in the first half and shot just 28% in the first half. But the second half was a different story for the athletic Hawks.
Humber outscored Fanshawe by 12 points in the second half, and they were able to adjust their defence and shut down the Falcons down the stretch. Humber was led by Micheal Acheampong, who despite a below average night shooting the ball, was still able to chip in 13 points. Mike Dvorak was also big for the Hawks, as he connnected on two crucial three-pointers and finished with 11 points.
For the Falcons it was a three man show, with little help from the bench. Jordan Dixon, Andy Campbell and Gareth Edwards combined for 43 of the teams 57 points, but they did not have enough at the end to pull out the victory.
Humber now moves on to face rival Sheridan College in the OCAA finals tomorrow, with Fanshawe facing off against Algonquin College. The third place game tips off at 3 PM with the finals going at 5 PM from the Essar Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
QUOTABLES
Fanshawe forward Andy Campbell: “They do this to us every time.”
Humber guard Mike Dvorak: “Tomorrow is going to be a war. Sheridan-Humber is always a classic game.”
NPH PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Fanshawe: Gareth Edwards – 16 points, 8 rebounds
Humber: Raymond Munier – 4 points, 10 rebounds
