The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s basketball team swept their home-and-home series with Ryerson Rams, downing their city rivals 80-69 in the last game of the regular season at U of T’s Athletic Centre Sports Gym.
The Blues (12-10) finished third in the OUA East division and will host the York Lions in quarter-final action this Wednesday. Meanwhile, Ryerson finishes with a 10-12 record and drops to fifth place. The Rams now travel to Kingston, Ont. and will face the Queen's Gaels in the other quarter-final.
A 29-point second quarter for the Blues broke open a close-knit contest. Back-to-back threes from graduating senior Rob Paris of St. Catharines, Ont. would extend Toronto’s lead to 12 at the 5:41 mark of the quarter.
Under a minute later, London, Ont. native Pat Sewell would nail a jumper before Paris hit again from downtown to help the home team establish a 16-point lead heading into the half.
After maintaining their lead through the third period, Toronto fell prey to the shooting prowess of the nation’s second leading scorer. Boris Bakovic led the Rams charge minutes into the final frame. He and Rams Joey Imbrogno knocked down jumpers and made some key free throws to pull the Rams to within six.
Led by veteran guards Paris and Nick Magalas with defensive help from Sewell and Drazen Glisic, the Blues withstood the run and would seal their fifth win in six games.
Sewell and Magalas (Burlington, Ont.) led the way for the Blues with 19 points each, while Paris finished with 18 and Glisic (Sarajevo, BIH) had a team-high seven rebounds.
Ryerson’s Ryan McNeilly led the team with 20 points, while Bakovic added 19 and Imbrogno 13 in the loss.
NOTE: The Varsity Blues men's basketball team recognized four outstanding graduating student-athletes prior to last nights's final regular-season home game, which was followed by a post-game reception. Pat, Nick, Nick and Rob - we thank you for all of your many contributions to Varsity Blues athletics.
For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.
