Mustangs facing key three game N-O stretch

Though five games remain on the league schedule it is the next three in a row that will largely determine if current co-leader Medina will emerge with at least a share of the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball championship.

Medina is currently tied for the N-O lead with Newfane at 6-1 followed by Akron at 4-2 and Albion 4-3.

The Mustangs begin that key stretch by hosting Akron at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. The Mustangs edged past the Tigers 49-45 in their earlier season meeting at Akron.

The Tigers are coming off a huge win as they knocked Newfane from the ranks of the unbeaten by a 50-31 margin on Tuesday. The Tigers got good scoring from their veteran quintet of Mitchell Holtz with 19, Adam Mietz 11, David Kalinowski and Jake Mazza 7 each and Josh Mazza 6.

Newfane did bounce back from that loss by scoring a key 58-52 win at Albion on Thursday evening.

Medina will then visit rival Albion at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Mustangs downed the Purple Eagles 54-42 in their earlier meeting at Medina but Albion has gone 4-1 since then.

The Mustangs will conclude their key stretch by hosting Newfane next Thursday at 6 p.m.

Medina will be looking to avenge an earlier season 64-44 loss at Newfane. That was a tight 38-36 game after three quarters but the Panthers erupted for a big 26-8 scoring burst in the final stanza to close out the key victory.

Saturday’s other games will have Roy-Hart at Newfane and Barker at Wilson.

N-O Standings: Medina 6-1, Newfane 6-1, Akron 4-2, Albion 4-3, Roy-Hart 2-5, Barker 1-6, Wilson 1-6.