Anthony DeGiorgio’s breakout performance helps propel the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s basketball team to a second-half comeback as Toronto defeated the Queen’s Gaels 69-63 in Kingston, Ont.

DeGiorgio (Toronto), a third-year point guard and younger brother of Blues assistant coach Mike DeGiorgio, knocked down a game-high18 points and eight assists, while adding three steals in leading the Blues to their eighth win in the last 10 games.

The win helps the Blues keep pace with the OUA East-division leaders, Ottawa and Carleton, and ahead of fourth place Ryerson Rams as the push to the playoffs continues.

Queen’s took advantage of Toronto’s early shooting woes to jump out to the early 15-13 first-quarter lead. Things didn’t improve for the visitors in second quarter as the Gaels outshot the Blues by one, maintaining a slight three-point at the end of the first half.

The Blue and White would regroup after the intermission and outscore their opponents 44-35 in the final two quarter to pull away and secure the seven-point win.

Fourth-year veteran Rob Paris (St. Catharines, Ont.) added 15 points, four rebounds and three steals of his own for the Blues. Off the bench, Drazen Glisic (Sarajevo, BIH) was 4-of-5 from the floor for eight points and hauled in seven rebounds.

Robert Shaw (Toronto) and Nick Didonato (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) each had 11 points apiece for the Gaels in the loss.

The Blues are back home next weekend to host the No. 1 Carleton Ravens (Feb. 7) and the No. 2 Ottawa Gee-Gees (Feb. 6). Tip off for both days is set for 8 p.m.