The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s basketball team came from behind to defeat the Queen’s Gaels 68-58 on Friday, January 16 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

The Gaels came out strong with a solid offensive effort and built an early 17-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Fourth-year Toronto guards Rob Paris (Mississauga, Ont.) and Nick Magalas (Burlington, Ont.) came to the rescue, combining for 15 of the Blues 17 points in the second quarter to cut the Gaels lead to one (30-29) at halftime.

The Gaels gained back some momentum, playing solid defence and holding the Blues to only 11 points in the third quarter. Toronto trailed 45-40 going into the final frame.

Things were looking grim for the Blue and White until second-year forward Drazen Glisic (Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina) began to rally the troops and lead the charge down the court. Glisic’s 11 points, combined with a 12-point performance from Magalas, was all the Blues needed to regain control of the game and come away with the 10-point victory.

Magalas led all players with 23 points, while Paris racked up 14 points for Toronto. Glisic was named the player of the game for his stellar fourth-quarter performance that led the Blues to victory.

Queen’s was led by Baris Ondul (Istanbul, Turk.) and Ryan Hairsine (St. Marys, Ont.) who tallied 19 and 14 points, respectively.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow night when they host the RMC Paladins at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m.