The Algoma University Varsity Basketball programs have not enjoyed too much success when it comes to winning games since their inception four years ago, but the wins they do have have been special ones.
Saturday was one of those days for Algoma's women's team. Backed by a 16 point performance from Melissa Stumpo, Algoma defeated the Niagara Knights 46-44 at the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University.
Stumpo was the hero as she hit a layup with under 10 second left in the second half to give Algoma the win, their second in nine outings this season.
The winning points capped off a performance that saw Algoma battle back from a slow start to find themselves trailing by just five points at half-time.
Moments after Niagara tied the game in the closing moments of the second half, Stumpo took the inbound pass and moved down-court and with a Niagara defender at either side, calmly drained the game-wining points.
Neither team could get into a rhythm offensively as both teams saw their shooting percentage finish at under 30 per cent – Algoma at 28 per cent while Niagara shot 37.8 per cent from the field.
Jessica King chipped in with 13 points in the victory despite fouling out with just over a minute left in the game. Jackie Birtwhistle led Niagara with 14 points in the loss.
The Men's game was just as entertaining as the Women's game with the two teams trading the lead throughout.
The game again came down to the final seconds as Algoma found themselves with possession and trailing by three points but could not find the basket as Niagara held on for the 66-63 victory.
Matt Chaimbrone of Algoma led all scorers in the game with 17 points while Stefon Wilson and Adam Carpenter each chipped in with 10 points. Craig Bauslaugh and Anderson St. Valle each had 15 points for Niagara while Mike Muir added 11 and Chris Keith chipped in with 10 in the victory.
The game featured limited chances from the free throw line as the teams combined to take just 27 free throws between them with Algoma going 6-for-10 while Niagara was 12-for-17 from the charity stripe.
In fact, only two Algoma players hit more than one free throw in the game – Jake Tomas was 2-for-4 while Chaimbrone was 2-for-2.
Both Algoma teams will be back in action next weekend in their final regular season games as the Fanshawe Falcons from London are in town.
The games will take place Saturday with the Women's game beginning at noon and the Men's game kicking off at 2 p.m. at the George Leach Centre.