NIAGARA 96, SAULT 45 (FINAL)

The Niagara College Knights women's basketball overcame a slow start and tightened up on defence to record a 96-45 victory against the Sault College Cougars in their 2011-2012 home opener.

Four Knights scored in double digits in the women's game Saturday. Alanna Arundell (Toronto) paced the hosts on offence with 16 points, while Shelby Johnston (Welland, Ont.), Miranda Ross (St. Catharines, Ont.) and rookie Kaitlyn McPherson (Welland, Ont.) added 13, 12 and 11 points.

Despite the final score, the lopsided win was anything convincing to head coach Ron Lemon. He said "plenty of points" made up for the team's slow start in the season opener.

"We weren't playing well in the first quarter. We finally started to get on track in the second half."

Niagara' play on defence also left much to be desired, according to the veteran coach.

"We didn't play good defence in the game. We've got to sharpen that up. Against a good team, that would put us behind the 8-ball."

The Knights are back in action Sunday afternoon when they host the Algoma University Thunderbirds (1-0). Game time is 4 p.m.

Source: Niagara College