OSHAWA, Ont. - Durham delivered a complete performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Niagara Knights 84-59 in the OCAA Championship qualifier at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.
The Lords set the tone early, holding Niagara to nine points in the opening quarter while taking a 19-9 lead behind strong defensive pressure and active rebounding.
Durham continued to control the pace in the second, using balanced scoring and transition opportunities to stretch the margin to 38-31 at halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Lords tightened up defensively and began to separate. A series of stops and quick scores helped Durham extend its advantage through the third quarter, leading 57-42 heading into the final 10 minutes.
The hosts then closed the game with a 27-point fourth quarter, limiting Niagara's comeback chances and putting the result out of reach.
Offensively, Durham featured strong production across the lineup, finishing the game shooting 45.5% from the field and 44.8% from three-point range.
Caleb Carter led all scorers with 22 points, knocking down four three-pointers and adding four free throws in a confident performance off the bench.
Desson Spencer posted a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds, anchoring the Lords in the paint and on the glass.
Rashane Smith and Jasean Elliott each contributed an identical 12 point, six rebound and three assist performance, while Elliott also recorded eight steals.
Romell Russell provided a spark from long range, finishing with 15 points on five made three-pointers.
As a team, Durham forced 22 Niagara turnovers and converted them into 24 points, while also outscoring the visitors 43-19 in bench production.
With the win, the Lords advance to the quarter-finals next weekend. Durham will take on the winner of Humber and Fleming, who tip-off at 8 p.m. tonight.
Date and time for our quarter-final will be announced soon.
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