The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's basketball team fell 81-76 the Guelph Gryphons in an exhibition game on Thursday (Oct. 8) night in Guelph, Ont.
The Blues fell behind in the first half, as the Gryphons shot over 40 per cent from the field in each of the first two quarters. Guelph also held the advantage I second chance points with six and a 10-4 margin in offensive rebounds. An electric third quarter put U of T back in the game, outscoring the Gryphons 22-15. Toronto kept their foot on the gas pedal with a final push in the fourth quarter, trading blows with Guelph by the Gryphons were able to hold onto their lead before the final buzzer.
Leading the way offensively for the Blue and White was second-year guard Mikey Ballout, scoring a game-high 23 points and over 33 per cent from the field and beyond the three-point line. The Hillsborough, California native also notched five rebounds and tied for a game-high three steals. Fourth-year forward Simeon Jeffers and first-year guard Andrew Dangelas also reached the double-digit point plateau with 15 and 13 respectively. Second-year guard Duncan McRae tallied a game-high six assists.
For Guelph, Jack Tunstill notched a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Meanwhile, Eric Armstrong scored a team-high 13 points and was perfect on three-pointers. Emmanuel Black notched 11 points and a game-high four blocks.
The preseason continues for Toronto with their focus turning to the Queen's Preseason Tournament from Oct. 15-16 in Kingston. Action begins on Thursday (Oct. 15) afternoon when they take on the Queen's Gaels at 3 p.m., followed by a 1 p.m., tip-off versus the Université du Quebec a Montreal Citadins. Â
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