The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team opened the OUA regular season with a trip to York University on Friday (Oct. 23) night, earning an 83-68 victory over the cross-town rival.
Despite weaker ball control in the first half with York snatching a total of eight steals in the first 20 minutes of play, the Blues matched the Lions in shooting at over 40 per cent to trail by just four points going into the third quarter. Toronto flipped the switch in the second half taking full control of the game. U of T were exceptional in distributing tallying seven assists in the third quarter alone. As well, the Blues defensive intensity turned up limiting the home side to just 30 per cent shooting from the field through the entirety of the second half. This high-pressure allowed Toronto to build on their lead and secure their first win of the new season in their first game of the new season.
The Blues had four players in double-figures. Second-year guard Mikey Ballout notched a game-high 23 points, while also adding five rebounds and three steals. The slashing guard was nearly unstoppable finishing 7-for-10 from the floor, 3-for-5 from behind the three point arc, and 6-for-6 at the free throw line. Fifth-year centre Nigel Hylton added 14 points with 10 coming in the dominant third quarter for the Blues. Fourth-year forward Simeon Jeffers contributed 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while fourth-year forward Lucas Prekovic notched 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
For the Lions, Daren Clarke recorded a team-high 22 points in the loss. Nickele Harris was also impressive on the night with an 11 point and 10 rebound double-double, including five offensive boards.
Up next, the Blues host the Laurier Golden Hawks for the regular season home opener tomorrow (Oct. 24) night at the Goldring Centre - Kimel Family Field House. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m., with tickets available at
varsityblues.ca/tickets. All OUA basketball games are also streamed live and on demand via .
