The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team opened their season with a 79-68 win over the Laurentian Voyageurs Friday night (Oct. 25) at the Ben Avery Gym.

A strong second half propelled the Blues past an early 10-point deficit, outscoring Laurentian 28-12 in the third quarter to take control.

Iñaki Alvarez led Toronto with a game-high 25 points, hitting six three-pointers, while fourth-year McGill transfer Quarry Whyne added 22 points and seven rebounds for the Blues. Third-year forward Nigel Hylton contributed 15 points off the bench, and helped Toronto capitalize on Laurentian's 21 turnovers. The Blues turned those defensive stops into offense, scoring 21 points off turnovers compared to Laurentian's four.

Pierre Mukandila paced the Voyageurs with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Nginyu Ngala added 14 points and six assists. Despite Laurentian's early momentum, Toronto's defense held them to 40 per cent shooting from the field and just 12 points in the third quarter.

The Varsity Blues also outperformed Laurentian in the paint, scoring 40 points to Laurentian's 28, while narrowly trailing in rebounds, 41-36.

The Blues are back in action tomorrow night (Oct. 26) in North Bay where they'll take on the Nipissing Lakers. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m., with the game streamed online at oua.tv.