Shooting Stars Win A Dramatic Thriller Following Ejection

The Scarborough Shooting Stars gave their fans plenty to celebrate on Father's Day, defeating the Niagara River Lions 75-69 on Sunday afternoon at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre to improve to 10-1 on the season. 

With the score 74-69 and the target score at 75, Niagara River Lions head coach Kimbal Mackenzie received a technical foul, essentially gifting the Shooting Stars a free throw to win the game. 

Myles Powell once again led the way for Scarborough, pouring in a game-high 31 points including the game winning free throw. Powell accounted for more than 40 percent of the Shooting Stars' offense and provided the scoring punch when his team needed it most.

Frank Mitchell delivered another impactful performance, recording 9 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while Charles Bediako added 8 points and helped anchor a defensive effort that limited one of the league's top teams to just 69 points.

Scarborough's defense proved to be the difference throughout the afternoon. The Shooting Stars forced 21 Niagara turnovers, collected 11 steals, and blocked 9 shots, disrupting the River Lions' offense from start to finish. Scarborough also controlled the glass, outrebounding Niagara 50-46 and holding the visitors to just 34 percent shooting from the field and 15 percent from three-point range.

While the Shooting Stars struggled from beyond the arc themselves, shooting just 13 percent from three, they made up for it through relentless effort inside and by getting to the free-throw line, where they converted 27 of 34 attempts.

It wasn't the highest-scoring performance of the year, but it may have been one of Scarborough's grittiest, showcasing a team that can win with defense, determination, and timely execution when the game is on the line.

Next up are the Ottawa Blackjacks (4-8) this Tuesday in Ottawa. The Shooting Stars will look to win their 11th game of the season.

Written by: Jesse Asido