The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team finished a two-game road swing with a tough 83-60 loss to the No. 9 nationally ranked Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in Oshawa, Ont., on Saturday (Nov. 23) night.
 
In the Blues and Ridgebacks past six meetings, Toronto has come out on top, but tonight the nationally ranked opponent captured their first win versus U of T in their men's basketball program's history.
 
While the Blues started off strong with just a five point deficit going into the second quarter, the Ridgebacks capitalized off of the Blues 21 turnovers, of which they notched 26 points. Despite this, Toronto fought hard to retain control of every possession and grant second-chance opportunities, of which they edged out the Ridgebacks 10-4. After being outscored by nine points going into halftime, the Blues came out fierce and matched the Ridgebacks with 18 a piece in the third. Despite this push-back, they were unable to close the gap, which led to the Ridgebacks eventual victory.
 
First-year point guard Rohan Scott-Smith and fourth-year McGill transfer Quarry Whyne shone bright for the Blues, both scoring in double figures. Scott-Smith notched a season best 12 points, additionally providing a huge spark of defensive energy off the bench. Meanwhile, Whyne tied his career-high with 24 points, shooting 71.4 percent from the field and 100 percent from three, alongside six rebounds and two steals.
 
The dynamic duo of Zubair Seyed and Keon Baker were ket to Ontario Tech's success tonight, with the guards scoring 23 and 18, respectively. Seyed set up his teammates around him, also putting up seven assists and four rebounds, while Baker notched three rebounds and two steals.

Up next, the Blues take on the Ottawa Gee-Gees next Friday (Nov. 29) afternoon at the Goldring Centre Kimel Family Field House for their last game before the winter break. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the game being streamed online at oua.tv and tickets free to purchase as part of a 'PA Day' promotion at varsityblues.ca/feature/tickets.