Jones, Lancers advance to quarterfinals with win over Waterloo
WINDSOR, Ont. - The Windsor Lancers opened the post season at home against the Waterloo Warriors Wednesday night, and came away with a 101-89 win at the St. Denis Centre.
The Blue and Gold had earned the three seed in the OUA and were looking not only to advance but defend home court. After a tight start the Lancers asserted themselves and began amassing a significant lead. Despite a late effort from the Warriors, the Lancers won 101-89, moving on to the Wilson Cup quarter finals on Saturday.
Marcus Jones had an amazing night for the Blue & Gold putting up a game high 33 points on 11-for-13 shooting. Fifth year senior Mike Rocca had another great night for the Lancers with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Luke Allin hit 17 points and Damian Persaud 14 points.
Nedim Hodzic was Waterloo's high scorer with 26 points and an amazing 18 rebounds. Justin Hardy also had a double-double for the Warriors with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Warriors heavily out-rebounded the Lancers 47-27, but committed 14 turnovers to Windsor's four.
The Lancers and Warriors offense came out of the gate fairly strong, as both teams were finding a rhythm on their respective offenses. Neither team could separate early as the first quarter concluded with the Lancers leading by just three.
The second quarter fared better for the Blue & Gold as they began to claim a growing lead towards the end of the half. Led by the guard tandem of Jones and Rocca who had 15 and 10 respectively, the Lancers went into the half with a 48-37 lead.
In the third quarter the Lancers continued their hot performance as they continued to build their lead as the quarter progressed. Windsor outscored the Warriors 30-18 as their offense continued to fire on all cylinders after a hot 48 per cent shooting mark in the first half.
Trailing by 20 late in the game, the Warriors fought back to make the game a little closer but their efforts would fall short. Windsor advanced on the back of a very good offensive outing, 101-89.
Source: Windsor Lancers