October 18, 2025 

WELLAND, ON: The Niagara Knights men's basketball team pulled off some magic late in the game to win their 2025-2026 season opener, beating the Conestoga Condors 84-75. 

Much to their coach's dismay, the Knights started the game off with a foul and then a turnover.  Despite some early woes, the Knights were able to keep themselves in the game, down by 2 points at the end of the 1st quarter. 

The Condors pulled away in the 2nd quarter, but a couple of 3-pointers from veterans Kadin Moore and Skylar Samuel pulled the Knights back to within 7 at the halftime break. 

A strong 3rd quarter from 1st year Joseph Buckley saw him add 10 points and 1 steal to get the Knights within 1 heading into the final frame. 

The Knights picked up the pace and had their best overall team performance when it mattered the most, making clutch shots count and scoring 25 points to the Condors' 15 in the 4th quarter.  Buckley tallied the most points of the game with 25, followed closely by 4th year Skylar Samuel who added a stat line of 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.  3rd year Kadin Moore contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal while 1st year standout Difference Igbinehi had a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block. 

2nd year head coach, Lequan Hylton, shared his thoughts on the game: "We were in a dog fight the whole game.  After half time we were able to settle down and play our style of basketball.  Our guys stepped up and closed the game out strong and secured the win". 

The Knights will look to build on this momentum as they head to Hamilton to take on the Mohawk Mountaineers on Saturday, October 25th.  Tipoff is scheduled for 6pm at the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre. 

For more information on the Knights' teams, please visit us at www.goknights.ca