By: Zach Worden
Scarborough — Mikaela Hawkins finished with a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double and five assists as the Centennial Colts fell to the Durham Lords 58-50 on Saturday afternoon in OCAA women’s basketball action.
Tiffany James was the leading scorer for the Colts (0-1), putting in 13 points while knocking down four threes on seven attempts in Centennial’s home opener at the Athletic & Wellness Centre.
Brianna Morrison was the key scorer for Durham — who improves to 2-0 on the season. She scored 26 and grabbed nine rebounds and stepped up her game in the fourth quarter, helping the Lords secure the come-from-behind win.
With the two teams trading runs early, Centennial’s outside shooting allowed them to get some separation in the opening 10 minutes.
Both Marian Martin and James knocked down shots from long distance to help the Colts respond to a 7-0 Lords’ run and take a lead.
Centennial really found its groove late in the first, growing its lead by scoring on three straight possessions. They forced some Durham mistakes with a full-court press and got some baskets in transition as they held a 21-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
It was the Lords that controlled the game in the second quarter. They were able to chip into their deficit by switching to a 2-3 zone and forcing the Colts into some tough jump shots.
On the offensive end, Durham got to the rim for six of its 11 points in the quarter, eventually taking a 24-23 lead into the halftime break.
Centennial found its range once again coming out of the half. Its first eight points of the third came on perimeter jumpers as the Colts retook the lead. Durham stayed in the game, however, behind the efforts of Morrison — who scored eight points in the quarter.
James made a big three down the stretch to help Centennial take a 37-35 heading into the final quarter.
Hawkins came up big right away in the fourth for the Colts, getting to the rim for a couple of layups, holding off Durham’s early comeback efforts.
But the Lords wouldn’t go away. Morrison went a 5-0 run herself to retake the lead for Durham heading into the final three minutes.
Despite cutting into the deficit, Centennial ran out of time to complete a comeback of its own, losing a tightly contested game to open the season.