Winning streak ends at six games

Jesse Thomas
Sports Reporter

The Humber women’s varsity basketball team had their six game winning streak snapped by the Fanshawe Falcons at home Thursday night, losing 56-51 in a see-saw 10 lead change battle.

The Falcons got off to a strong start and despite running into early foul trouble, they were able to build a 16-12 lead after the first quarter.

Humber took the lead midway through the second quarter, as point-guard Maria Suriani made a steal at half-court and crossed the floor for an easy lay-up.

Humber was able to out-rebound the Falcons but costly turnovers and missed shots made the difference.

“We came with good energy and pushed the tempo,” said Falcon’s head coach Matt White. “Our focus was on defence and trying to make them shoot low-percentage shots. Luckily they didn’t shoot the ball as well as they can.”

Humber shot 36 per cent from the field, while Fanshawe made 38 per cent of their shots.
“I felt we had a good game. There were some mental mistakes, and turnovers were a big factor at the end of the game,” said Humber guard Mary Azare, 18, a first-year general arts and science student. “I liked our defence today and at times we were really aggressive. If we can stay at that level it would help a lot.”

Hawk’s head coach Ajay Sharma was pleased with his team’s effort but said it was obvious why the team struggled.

“Turnovers are something that plagues our team,” said Sharma. “The last time we played them we turned the ball over 42 times and it was tied coming down the stretch. Tonight we had 39 turnovers and with under a minute to go, [it was] still a ball game.”

In her first game back after recovering from an injury, forward Kaitlynn Paulley, a third year fashion arts student, led the Hawks with 12 points.

Humber currently sits tied for third place in the Western conference with 12 points.

The Hawks played Niagara Knights Jan. 25, check www.athletics.humber.ca for results. The next home game is Feb. 1 against the Sheridan Bruins