The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team defeated the No. 8 nationally ranked Lakehead Thunderwolves 89-77 on Saturday (Nov. 1) afternoon inside the Goldring Centre – Kimel Family Field House.

Despite trailing through the first two quarters of the home opener, U of T came to life following the break to pull away for a win in front of the home crowd. Toronto scored 56 points in the second half, finishing the night shooting over 57 percent from the field and over 43 percent from behind the three point line.

Leading the second half surge was first-year guard Mikey Ballout. The dynamic playmaker from California registered a team-high 21 points, including five made three-point field goals. Working in tandem with Ballout, second-year guard Rohan Scott-Smith nearly achieved a triple-double recording 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the win.

Rounding out the double-digit performances for U of T, fourth-year forward Ryan Rudnick added 15 points off the bench, while fourth-year centre Nigel Hylton delivered 13 points.

Lakehead was paced by 20 point outings from both Chris Sagl and Harold Santacruz.

The Varsity Blues are right back in action tomorrow (Nov. 2) afternoon welcoming the TMU Bold to the Goldring Centre – Kimel Family Field House. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets and a livestream on oua.tv.