Box Score The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team dropped a narrow 85-84 decision to the No. 5 nationally ranked Ryerson Rams in their 2015-16 season opener Wednesday night (Nov. 4) at Mattamy Athletic Centre.
Ryerson came up with two late steals to overcome a late four-point deficit to seal the win.
First-year guard Devon Williams led the Blues with 23 points, going 7-for-15 from beyond the arc. Fourth-year forward Devin Johnson added 21 points and seven boards, while sophomore standout Sage Usher had 12 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Veteran forward Manny Sahota notched 12 points and five rebounds, with Daniel Johansson adding six points and seven rebounds in the loss.
The Rams held a hot hand from beyond the arc to build an early 23-8 lead. Johnson drained five free throws and a three-pointer from Sahota brought the game within 11 (29-18) after 10 minutes.
The Blues kept paced throughout the second quarter and trailed the home team 45-31 at halftime.
Toronto exploded in the third quarter, thanks in large part to four three-pointers from Williams. The rookie guard hit his third straight midway through the frame to give Toronto their first lead of the game (52-50). Toronto held a 58-56 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The two teams traded the lead throughout the fourth. All tied up at 74-74 with just over two minutes remaining, Williams drained back-to-back three's to put Toronto up by four. However, Ryerson came up with two late steals in the dying seconds and Juwon Grannum sealed the last second victory for the home team.
Adika Peter-McNeilly led all players with 25 points and eight rebounds, while Roshane Roberts had 15 points in the victory.Â
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