The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team began the Queen's Preseason Tournament with a 90-85 loss to the host Queen's Gaels on Thursday (Oct. 15) afternoon in Kingston.
The Blues got out to a fast start, holding a three-point lead after the first quarter thanks to efficient shooting as U of T shot 50 per cent from the field and 40 per cent behind the three-point line. Toronto's three-point shooting dipped in the second quarter and strong rebounding from the Gaels allowed for the home team to bring a 54-42 lead into halftime. Toronto returned to form in the second half, shooting efficiently once again, pushing hard until the final buzzer but were unable to close the five-point margin.
The Blues offence shined with three players hitting the double-digit point plateau. Leading the way was second-year guard Mikey Ballout, scoring a game-high 24 points and shooting over 50 per cent from the field and on three pointers. Fifth-year centre Nigel Hylton had a monstrous 20 points and nine rebounds and shot 66.7 per cent from three. Fourth-year forward Simeon Jeffers also notched 20 points with 60 per cent shooting from the field. First-year guard Andrew Dangelas' two-way play was on display with 10 assists and four steals.
For the Gaels, five different players scored double-digit points with Ashton Bain scoring a 17-point, 10-rebond double-double. Dylan Blackwell scored 11 points and was perfect from behind the three-point line.
The Blues concluded the preseason tomorrow (Oct. 16) afternoon when they take on l'Université du Quebec a Montreal Citadins in Kingston. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m., with live stats available
here.
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