The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team faced off with the TMU Bold inside the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, Ont on Wednesday (Jan. 29) night, coming up short with a final score of 69-57.
 
The Bold came out seeking revenge following their loss earlier in the season in the inaugural matchup of the home-and-home Metro Hoops Classic series. However, due to smothering defensive efforts from both teams, neither side was able to shoot over 32 percent from the field in the low-scoring contest. The Blues defence notched six timely blocks, helping them to close the gap late in the game. Ultimately, the ball movement for the Bold  leading to 14 total assists and eight steals defensively proved to be the difference maker.
 
Toronto was led offensively by fourth-year point-guard Inaki Alvarez who put up 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal. This marked the sixth game this season Alvarez has registered 20 or more points, ranking him in the OUA Top 10 scorers averaging 17.4 points per game. Aiding the Blues effort in the paint, fourth-year forward Anthony Daudu posted 13 points and nine rebounds, while fourth-year centre Lennart Weber tallied 11 points and seven rebounds..
 
For the Bold, Aaron Rhooms registered a game-high 24 points, adding eight rebounds, and one assist, followed by Jahcobi Neath with 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Up next, the Blues travel to challenge the York Lions at the Tait McKenzie in the second game of a five game road swing. The Saturday (Feb. 1) night contest will tip-off at 8 p.m., with the game streamed via oua.tv.