ST. CLAIR 73, NIAGARA 66

WELLAND, Ont. - St. Clair (5-4) defeated Niagara (3-6) by a score of 73-66.

St. Clair made late push in this game and with it vaulted themselves into serious playoff contention in the OCAA's West Region.

After being tied 36-36 at halftime the Saints found themselves in a 10-point hole in the third quarter at 49-39. But St. Clair rallied for a 21-4 run to close out the third quarter and into the fourth quarter seizing control of the contest.

Niagara could come no closer than five points down the stretch. Bienka Jones (Tecumseh, Ont.) sparked that rally scoring 16 of her game-high 20 points in that pivotal third quarter that included connecting on five three-pointers. Jones added six assists and six rebounds who will put herself in consideration for OCAA women's basketball athlete of the week after coming off 25 points against Mohawk the previous night.

Rachel Duic (Belle River, Ont.) helped the Saints from the point guard position with 14 points adding five rebounds and three steals while Kendyl Rizea (Windsor, Ont.) added 13 points. Kelly Rizea (Windsor, Ont.) was the other Saint in double figures with 11 points while Angel Russell (Windsor, Ont.) picked up the slack on the boards with nine rebounds while Daniella Abrams (Windsor, Ont.) rested her injuries on the bench.

The Saints continue their regular season schedule January 9 with home games against Fanshawe College (London).

Source: St. Clair College