The Varsity Blues men’s basketball team finished their two-game swing through the nation’s capital with an 89-69 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday, Jan. 30 at Montpetit Hall.

Despite shooting 44.6 percent from the floor, Toronto (7-9) was hampered by only hitting 6-of-23 shots from three-point range. Ottawa, on the other hand, shot 51.5 percent thanks in large part to Warren Ward’s 38-point performance, which included an impressive 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. As a team, the Gee-Gees were 11-of-24 (45.8%) from downtown.

The Blues were perfect from the free throw line, however got their only five times, compared 12 times for their opponent and they hit 10 of them.

The No. 5 Gee-Gees came out firing on all cylinders to start the game, knocking down 26 points and taking an early seven-point lead at the end of one quarter.

Toronto maintained their composure and clamped down defensively in the second quarter, holding their host to just 18 points and keeping the game within reach. The Blues went into the locker at halftime down eight, 44-36.

The third frame was an even battle; however, the wheels came off in the final ten minutes as Ottawa closed out the game on a 27-18 run.

Burlington native Nick Magalas, who was held to single-digit scoring the night before, led the Varsity Blues with 23 points, while Drazen Glisic (Sarajevo, BIH) added 11 points and five rebounds.

OUA all-star Josh Gibson-Bascombe (Toronto) added 19 points, had a game-high nine assists as well as six rebounds for Ottawa in the win. Ward of London, Ont. also added a game-high 10 rebounds to ad to his impressive offensive numbers.

The Varsity Blues are back in action next Friday night when they host the RMC Paladins at the Athletics Centre Sports Gym. Game time 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.