The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s basketball team dropped a close 58-55 decision to the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday, November 7 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

Toronto got off to a slow start and Waterloo took full advantage, building a 12-0 lead in the first five minutes. The Blues battled back throughout the remainder of the quarter and were only down 15-12 heading into the second.

Fifth-year veteran and Varsity Blues player of the game Nick Magalas (Burlington, Ont.) drained back-to-back three-pointers to rally his squad midway through the second quarter. A late Drazen Glisic (Sarajevo, BIH) jumper would give Toronto a slight 24-23 lead at halftime.

Rob Paris (St. Catharines, Ont.) led the Blues with nine points in the third quarter, however, Waterloo forward Ben Frisby (Vancouver, B.C.) tallied 10 of his own to gain a 43-38 Warriors advantage going into the fourth quarter.

Toronto brought the game within one midway through the final frame, however fourth-year Warriors forward Alan Goodhoofd (Oakville, Ont.) rallied his squad with a two-handed dunk with 3:45 remaining to set the tone for the rest of the game.

Despite four late points from Magalas, the Blues were unable to complete the comeback and dropped their first game of the 2009-10 regular season.

Magalas recorded a game-high 19 points, while Paris tallied 11. Glisic had eight points and 12 rebounds and London, Ont. native Patrick Sewell garnered seven points and 10 boards in the loss.

Frisby led the Warriors with 17 points, while both Matt Hayes (Midland, Ont.) and Goodhoofd recorded double-doubles in the win.

The Varsity Blues return to the court next Friday, November 13 when they travel to Hamilton, Ont. to take on the McMaster Marauders. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. 

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.