ANCASTER, ON. The Redeemer Royals hosted the 'Hammer Hunger' food drive Wednesday night at the Men's and Women's Basketball matches. The Royals faced off against their cross-town rival the Mohawk Mountaineers. 

The Mountaineers established an early hold on the match. Jumping ahead 19-8 halfway through the opening frame, Redeemer needed to adjust. After ten minutes of play, Mohawk led Redeemer 28-16. 

Mohawk continued to excel in quarter number two and extended their lead over the Royals. The Mountaineers recorded 26 rebounds in the first two quarters to Redeemer's 12. 

Mohawk led the Royals 58-36 at halftime. 

The Royals were determined to change the story of Wednesday's match. Flying out of the halftime break the Royals dominated the third quarter. Posting the largest single-quarter margin of the match, Redeemer was at the heels of the Mountaineers. Outscoring Mohawk 25-10, Redeemer had the RU Royal Family on their feet in excitement. Redeemer shot 50% from the field in the third quarter alongside leveling the rebounding battle. 

Trailing by nine points with ten minutes to play the Royals crowd got behind their team. Redeemer sparked several runs in the fourth quarter only to be matched by Mohawk. Throughout the fourth quarter, the Royals had several open looks from beyond the arc but could not make them fall. The Royals shot 14% from three-point land in the final frame. Despite several misses, the Royals found themselves within one point of the Mountaineers with thirty-two seconds remaining. 

Mohawk capitalized from the charity stripe late in the fourth quarter and managed to fend off the red-hot Royals. The Mountaineers barely survived the Lion's Den and secured the win 93-86. 

Despite the loss, the Royals shot more efficiently than Mohawk in all three categories. Mohawk fended off the Royals thanks to their rebounding. The Mountaineers recorded nearly double Redeemer's rebounding totals. 

Royals guard Robert Mannella had an exceptional game as he recorded 23 points. Mannella shot 60% from the field, including 62.5% from behind the arc.

The Royals continue to chase the last playoff position in the OCAA West with the games winding down. Redeemer's next match is Saturday, January 25th when they travel to face the Sheridan Bruins.