Sault College scores huge win over Niagara

The Sault College Cougars men's basketball team took a giant leap toward a playoff spot with a home court victory over the Niagara College Knights on Friday.

In an exciting game, the Cougars pulled away for a 90-82 victory over the Knights.

The victory gives the Cougars a 9-2 record with one game remaining the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) west division regular season.

Jean Louis Ouattara (pictured) paced the Cougars with 33 points while Sean Sievwright added 22. Chris Keith led Niagara with 24 points.

The first place Cougars cap the regular season on Friday night with another important game against Fanshawe at 8 p.m. at Sault College.

With the top two teams in the division being guaranteed a playoff spot, the Cougars sit with 18 points while Niagara, who beat Algoma University on Saturday, are two points back with a game in hand. Fanshawe remains in the hunt with a 6-2 record and have four games remaining on their schedule.

*** VOLLEYBALL:

The Cougars women's volleyball team put an end to their season on Friday with a 3-1 loss to Niagara, which won by scores of 25-16, 25-19, 20-25 and 25-18.

Sault College finishes the season with a 5-10 record.

Desiree Simon led the Cougars with 15 points on 11 kills, three stuff blocks and one serving ace while Ashley Browning added 12 points on seven kills, a block and four aces. Tracey Smith led Niagara with 16 points on 11 kills, a block and four aces.

*** OUATTARA NAMED ATHLETE OF THE WEEK:

Jean Louis Ouattara was named the OCAA Male Athlete of the Week for his efforts last week. The rookie forward averaged 19 points over two victories last week.

Jean Louis posted 21 points to help his team to a 63-58 victory over the Algoma Thunderbirds before adding 18 points in an 85-66 victory against the Lambton Lions. Ouattara entered the Niagara game second in the league for scoring with 23.3 points per game.