The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team finished their opening weekend of the OUA regular season with a hard fought 73-67 loss to the Nipissing Lakers in North Bay, Ont., on Saturday (Oct. 26) night.

Despite delivering a 10-point comeback effort the night prior versus the Laurentian Voyageurs, the Blues were unable to close the 15-point gap with Lakers to closer than four points in the final 30 seconds of regulation. Nipissing came out blazing, taking an 11 point advantage over Toronto by the end of the first quarter. However, the Blues calmed their defence in the second frame and pushed the lead down to seven going into the half. The Blues bench shined on the night, with every single Blues player who checked into the game scoring. In total, the Blues bench outscored the Lakers reserves 31-6. But the very physical game, which saw six players between the two teams foul out in the fourth quarter; went the way of the home team down the stretch.
 
Toronto was led by fourth-year guard Quarry Whyne, who played incredible defence and recorded 12 points and five boards in 33 minutes of play. Fifth-year forward Anthony Daudu also notched 11 rebounds, adding five points, two steals, and two blocks.
 
For the Lakers, starters Alvin Icyogere, Darnaz Mabanza, and Alex Blackmore combined for 54 of the teams collective 73 points. Mabanza recorded a game-high 20 points in the Nipissing win.
 
Up next, the Blues host the TMU Bold on Friday (Nov. 1) night for in U of T's home opener at Goldring Centre Kimel Family Field House. The game will also serve as the first in the newly minted Metro Hoops Classic series, which will highlight the home-and-home games between the Toronto-based rivals. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m., with the game being streamed online at oua.tv and tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets.