The Redeemer Basketball teams were hoping for a better start to 2016 than the one they got, as the visiting Niagara Knights stole 2 wins from the Royals at home on Friday night.

The women's team held an 8-7 advantage in the 1st quarter before an 8-0 run by the Knights gave them the advantage they needed. Redeemer was unable to grab the lead again in a 94-51 loss.

Jesseca Brown had 16 points for the Royals while Rebekah Couperus added 13. Alyssa McCabe had a game-high 23 points for Niagara.

Redeemer and Niagara entered the game tied with 4-5 records. The Knights now gain the advantage in the standings, separating themselves from the Royals and the Lambton Lions. Redeemer sits in 6th place by way of a tiebreaker with Lambton.

The Men's team was looking to avenge a first semester loss to Niagara and came close to it. Unfortunately, the 7-3 Knights used a dominant 2nd quarter to secure the win. Redeemer outscored Niagara in the 1st and 4th quarter but a 15-point deficit in the 2nd was too much to overcome. Niagara walked away with a 105-96 win.

5 Royals finished with double-digit points, but it wasn't enough to counter 51 points from Lundy and Hylton of Niagara. Redeemer's Rayvon Higdon had a team-high 22 points.

Redeemer has a short turnaround as both teams head to Sheridan College Tuesday night.