The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s basketball team could not find a way past the Carleton University Ravens as they fell 75-53 on Friday, January 29th in Ottawa. .
The Blues went shot for shot with the No. 2 Ravens in the early going of this contest. However, the home team would pull away at the end of the first quarter, punctated by fourth-year guard Michael Kenny’s (Ottawa) drive to the lane and buzzer-beating jumper that extended Carleton’s lead to 22-9.
The Blues dug in in the second quarter, holding the Ravens to just 10 points. Another made shot at the buzzer, this time by third-year guard Elliot Thompson (Fredericton, N.B.), would give the Ravens a 32-17 lead at the halfway point.
The Blues came out strong and aggressively attacked the basket in the third quarter, while the Ravens fluttered, unable to find their touch and make their shots. Taking fully advantage of some open looks, Toronto cut the early deficit to 10 and marched into the final frame with some much-needed momentum, having outscored their opponents 24-19.
Varsity got to within eight, forcing the Ravens into an early fourth-quarter timeout. That timeout seemed to be the difference maker as the country’s number two seed picked up their defensive intensity, made some key plays offensivley and held the Blues to just 12 points in final 10 minutes of regulation.
Patrick Sewell of London, Ont. returned to the court after missing several game due to injury and knocked down a team-high 13 points in 30 minutes of action. St. Catharines native Rob Paris added 12 points and five rebounds in the loss.
Nick Magalas (Burlington, Ont.), who torched Carleton for 33 points in their last meeting (Jan. 16), was kept in check this time around and held to just six points and three assists.
Kevin McCleery of Ottawa led the Ravens with a game-high 22 points. Kenny and Willy Manigat of Montreal would add 14 and 11 points, respectively.
The Blues are back on the hardwood tomorrow evening, Jan. 30, when the take on the Ottawa Gee-Gees at Montpetit Hall. 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.
