SENECA 57, NIAGARA 53

For nearly the first thirty eight and half minutes of tonight's game, Paige Smith was a non-factor on the game sheet. That all changed over the final 1:37 in the Seneca Sting's OCAA qualifier against the Niagara Knights.  

Smith, channeling her inner Reggie Miller versus the New York Knicks, scored nine points in just over a minute on three 3-pointers to rescue the Sting from a season-ending loss.  

Seneca executed their game plan early as they clung to a 12-8 lead in the first quarter. Niagara finished off the opening quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 14-12 lead.

The Sting regained the lead at the half 29-26 before the Knights exploded in the third quarter.  Niagara outscored Seneca 24-11 in the quarter with Shelby Johnston scoring nine for the Knights as they took a 50-40 lead into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Seneca trailed the Knights 53-47 with 4:30 left on the clock. The Knights would not score another basket as Paige Smith made her first 3-pointer with 1:37 remaining to pull within three. A defensive foul proved inconsequential as Melissa Wolfrath missed both shots.  Seneca took the ball down the floor, setting up Smith for a game-tying three which electrified the crowd with fifty-five seconds left. The shot hit both the heel and rim, popping a foot above the net, before finally falling.

With a chance to regain the lead, Niagara's offence faltered, setting up the heroics once again for Smith. From the same spot where she made her first deep shot, Smith calmly completed the comeback with a three with just 21.7 seconds remaining for a 56-53 lead.

Niagara brought the ball up the floor and took a potential game-tying shot with rimmed out, only to get the offensive rebound. An errant pass sent the ball out of bounds and jubilation on the Seneca bench as the clock showed just 1.7 seconds. Controversy followed as the Knights' coaching staff brought to the referee's attention a timeout they were not granted after the most recent Seneca basket  After a discussing with the scorekeeper, the Knights were granted a timeout and the clock was reset to 21.7 seconds. Niagara also regained possession.

The Knights proceeded to turn the ball over with 15.6 seconds left and were relegated to fouling.  Lauren Egglestone made her first free throw before intentionally missing the second. Time expired as Seneca stole the ball setting off a celebration between coaches and players.

Paige Smith led the Sting with 15 points while Egglestone added 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Sharika Smith and Ashley Nurse each scored nine points with Nurse also adding six steals.

Niagara was led by Johnston's 11 points. Mirando Ross had 10 points and six rebounds while Allana Arundell contributed seven assists.

The win advances the Sting to the OCAA championship played Thursday to Saturday at Humber College. Seneca is the reigning OCAA silver medalist.

Source: Seneca College