(London, Ontario) – The Fanshawe Falcons Men's Basketball Team (4-10) lost in a nail-biter to the Niagara Knights (7-6) on Saturday night by a score of 72-70.

The Falcons fell behind early in the game with a sluggish start shooting from the field, scoring on just four of their thirteen shots. Niagara took advantage of the shooting slump to take the first quarter 16-9.

Fanshawe responded in the second quarter, led by the shooting of Mohammad Al-Sama'Neh (London, ON), who finished perfect from the field in the frame, scoring eight points, including two threes. Niagara played a tight full-court defense throughout the game, which took the Birds a quarter to crack, but they managed to slim the margin heading into the second half down by one, 35-34.

The third quarter saw Niagara extend their lead slightly, outscoring the Falcons 17-12 in the period. As Fanshawe's shooters cooled down, Niagara heated up, which proved to be a key factor in this back-and-forth affair. The Knights took a 52-46 lead into the fourth.

The fourth quarter brought all the dramatics, as Niagara started off on an 8-4 run to begin the frame. However, Fanshawe roared back with a run of their own to take a one-point lead, 65-64. Steven Okoroafor (Burlington, ON) continued his exceptional start to the new year, picking up a stat line of 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists, with seven clutch points coming in the fourth quarter. Fanshawe had an opportunity to tie or win the game with the final possession but fell just short, losing 72-70.

Falcons Basketball will be back on Saturday, January 25th, for Fanshawe's annual Falcons Fest. The Women's team will take on St. Clair at 1:00 p.m., with giveaways and free food courtesy of Qdoba Mexican Eats and Domino's Pizza. The Men's team will tip off against No. 6 nationally ranked St. Clair at 3:00 p.m., with more giveaways, pizza, and free fritters from The Fritter Shop.

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