Durham’s playoff hopes take a hit on Saturday

Durham's playoff hopes take a hit on Saturday

OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham College men's basketball team fell 95-86 to Canadore College Saturday afternoon at the CRWC.

Durham falls to 7-10 on the season and are in a four-way tie for fifth place in the OCAA east region standings with the Seneca Sting (7-7), Loyalist Lancers (7-9) and St. Lawrence Vikings (7-9). The top six teams in the region qualify for the postseason.

The game became a tale of two halves as the Lords were able to shoot over 50 per cent from the field in the first half and held their largest lead of 11 points while holding Canadore to just 41 per cent shooting. However, these numbers would reverse as Canadore shot 55 per cent in the second half and heated up from behind the three-point line outscoring Durham 33-3 from beyond the arc.

The Lords were able to close the gap down the stretch and tie the game with just over a minute remaining, however, several fast break points and clutch free throws by Canadore secured the victory for the Panthers.

Throughout the game, Durham had success inside the paint with their big men Eric Smith (Ajax, Ont.) and Dylan Pelissero (Ridgeway, Ont.) leading the charge. Smith was able to produce another all-star performance collecting a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Pelissero came up two rebounds short of matching Smith, earning 20 points and nine rebounds.

With the loss the Lords will now look to run the table in order to secure a playoff position. Durham will next head to Seneca in search of a crucial late season victory on Tuesday, February 4 with tip-off at 8 p.m.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE LORDS
Overall Record: 11-13
Conference Record: 7-10

Next Game: Tue. Feb. 4 @ Seneca (8 p.m.)

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