The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team finished the preseason with a 94-84 win over l'Université du Québec à Montréal Citadins on Friday (Oct. 16) afternoon in Kingston.
The Blues took the leather off the ball in the first quarter, shooting 75 per cent from the field and over 83 per cent behind the three-point line. Even with weaker shooting in the second quarter, Toronto's stifling defence forced five Citadins turnovers– from which they scored nine points– to hold the 41-47 lead going into the half. The Blues maintained their efficient scoring in the third, outscoring UQAM by 10, and despite a fourth-quarter pushback from the Citadins, the Blues left Kingston with a double-digit victory.
The Blues had four players score double digit point this afternoon's. Fourth-year guard Simeon Jeffers tied for a game-high 24 points while adding five rebounds, and two steals, shooting over 75 per cent from the field and 62.5 per cent from three. Second-year guard Mikey Ballout scored 22 points shooting 71.4 percent from three, with fourth-year forward Lucas Prekovic adding 17 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Fifth-year centre Nigel Hylton had a near double-double, contributing another 15 points and eight rebounds.
For the Citadins, three players scored in double digits. Aurel-Karl Ntahindurwa led the way with 24 points in 26 minutes of play, adding another four assists while shooting 80 per cent from three.
Up next, the Blues open their regular season as they travel to York University to take on the York Lions on Friday (Oct. 23). Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. The game will be streamed via
oua.tv.
