The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team hosted the Concordia Stingers in their exhibition opener on Sunday (Sept. 28) afternoon, falling by a final score of 81-77 versus the visitors at Goldring Centre Kimel Family Field House.

It was an even battle in the first quarter, but the Blues stormed ahead in the second outscoring the Stingers 31-17. The Blues capped off the first half with second-year centre Lucas Prekovic nailing a half-court buzzer beater. However, Concordia pushed back in the second half, taking advantage of strong post play to outscore Toronto in the paint 40-28, and ultimately pulled away with the win.

Three Blues scored double-digit points, with fourth-year centre Nigel Hylton leading Toronto with a team-high 18 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, and no turnovers. Alongside Hylton, third-year forward Simeon Jeffers added 15 points and three rebounds and fourth-year centre Ryan Rudnick finished with ten points, three rebounds and three assists.

Concordia was led by Sami Jahan who notched 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists, and Karam Sahly who put up a double-double with 17 points and ten rebounds.

Up next for the Blues will be a preseason game against the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday (Oct. 4) afternoon. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets.