Competing in the annual Laval Preseason Tournament, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues fell just short in their opening match falling 82-80 in overtime versus the Saint Mary's Huskies on Friday (Oct. 18).

Continuing a strong preseason campaign, fourth-year forward Lennart Weber led the way for U of T, scoring a team-high 19 points in 20 minutes of action. Most impressive was his efficiency where he went 7-for-10 from the floor, including 4-for-5 from behind the three-point line. Fellow veterans Inaki Alvarez and Anthony Daudu added 14 and 11 points each, respectively. Alvarex also registered four assists and three steals, while Daudu pulled down six rebounds with two assists and a steal. Closing out the double-digit performances, Nigel Hylton chipped in with 12 points, six rebounds, three blocks, an assist and a steal in 22 minutes off the bench.

For the Huskies, the duo of Jasha'juan Downey and Jayrell Diggs guided the way with the pair surpassing 20 points each, tallying 23 and 21. In the paint, Marc-Denault Gabriel also secured a double-double for Saint Mary's with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while adding three assists, two blocks, and two steals.

The Blues will remain in Quebec as they next challenge the host Laval Rouge et Or on Saturday (Oct. 19). Tip-off in what will be Toronto's final preseason game is scheduled for 4 p.m.