ANCASTER, ON.  Playoff Basketball pressure surrounded the Royals (3-8) mid-week clash with the Conestoga Condors (4-8). The two OCAA sides sat in 9th and 7th respectively entering the match. Four teams in the bottom of the OCAA West are within a game of sixth place with the top eight teams qualifying for the postseason. 

Following Redeemer's one-point loss to the Fanshawe Falcons, one of the four teams clawing their way from the bottom of the standings, the Royals have made the hill to climb a little steeper. Head-to-head match-ups with fellow playoff hopefuls continually have critical impacts on the final standings.  

Last time out between the Royals and Condors, Redeemer fell 78-56 on the road. This time, backed by the RU Royals Family, Redeemer looked to snatch two points back in the standings and climb back into the playoff picture. 

The Conestoga Condors entered the den prepared to steal a road win. The Condors snatched the first quarter and led 17-15 after the opening ten minutes of play. Despite the Royals prowess in rebounding early, they were unable to capitalize on their second-chance opportunities. Throughout the match, Conestoga outscored Redeemer 26-8 on second-chance opportunities. 

Neither side could separate themselves from the competition in quarter number two. Conestoga led Redeemer 38-36 at the half.

Emanuel Liyaw had a monster game for Conestoga as he posted an 18-point 15 rebound double-double. Ten of these points were in the third quarter alone. Liyaw's efforts gave the Condors a three-point lead entering the final frame.

Redeemer had a valiant final push but was unable to close the gap the Condors had created. Conestoga closed out a crucial win on the road 79-73. 

Royals guard Parker Davis continues to build on his impressive season. The third-year guard sits among the OCAA leaders in points per game. Davis improved his season average tonight with 22 points. Redeemer had 11 of their 12 athletes register points in the match. 

The Royals next match is Saturday, January 18th in Sarnia when they face the Lambton Lions.