(London, Ontario) – The Fanshawe Falcons Women's Basketball Team (7-5) took down the top team in the OCAA West Division, and No. 9 nationally ranked Niagara Knights (10-2), by a score of 58-50 on Wednesday night at the nest.

The Birds' defense was impenetrable in the first quarter, denying drives by Niagara ball handlers and giving them little space to work with, holding the Knights to a mere five points in the frame. For the Falcons, it was a balanced attack early, with five different players contributing scores to help Fanshawe close the quarter with an 11-5 lead.

The second quarter saw both teams pick up the pace offensively, each dropping 13 points in the frame. Second-year guard Layla Mackenzie (Camlachie, ON) got hot in the second quarter, nailing her first three of the night and scoring five points. Her offensive play helped the Falcons carry a 24-18 lead into the half.

The second half had no effect on Mackenzie's stroke as she opened the quarter by knocking down back-to-back three-pointers. She dropped a career-high 17 points in this game, showcasing her big-game ability against one of the top-ranked teams in Canada. Mackenzie was closely supported by standout first-year Ashlyn Anderson (Latchford, ON), who continues to be a force for the Birds. Anderson picked up her fifth double-double of the season, tallying 14 points and 17 rebounds to dominate Niagara down low all game. Despite the Birds' excellent play, Niagara hung around and kept the game tight, with Fanshawe leading 38-31 heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, both teams continued to trade buckets, but it was Renee Maat (Oakville, ON) who made the big difference late for Fanshawe. Maat saved her best for last, scoring all eight of her points in the fourth quarter. The spark off the bench was exactly what head coach Bill Carriere ordered, and the Falcons were able to maintain their lead and close out the game with a 58-50 victory.

The Women's Team will be back in action on Saturday, January 25, for Fanshawe's annual Falcons Fest. They 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 St. Clair at 3:00 p.m., with more giveaways, pizza, and free fritters from The Fritter Shop.

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