MBB | Gaels Dash Laurentian’s Playoff Hopes

For the first round of OUA East playoffs the fourth seed Laurentian Voyageurs hosted the fifth seed Queen's Gaels. With a spot in the next round of playoffs on the line, the Voyageurs desperately needed to come away with a victory to keep their season alive. After a 13 point win from their previous match up with Gaels in January, Laurentian was confident they could once again come out on top tonight.

Things were going according to plan for the Voyageurs as they finished the first quarter with a small lead. However, issues began to arise as they entered the second. Shooting percentage started to rapidly decline for Laurentian. A team that excelled at long range shooting was suddenly shooting 11% from behind the arc. Shooting improved in the following quarters, but not enough to develop a comfortable lead. The game came down to the wire and a jump shot from the Gaels with 18 seconds left them ahead 73-72.  The Voyageurs brought the ball up the court and ran the clock down, looking to win on the game's final shot.  As Kadre Gray was double teamed at the elbow, he found Anthony Iacoe in the corner for a three point shot and the win. Unfortunately, Iacoe's shot rimmed out and the Voyageurs saw their season come to an end.

Leading the way for Laurentian was third year guard Kadre Gray who earned a double double with 28 points and 10 rebounds while adding 7 assists and 5 steals. First year guard Gaeten Chamand added a double double of his own with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Top scorer for the Gaels was Jaz Bains with 25 points.

Laurentian will look to regroup and rebuild during the off-season, not returning to court until next fall.

Maddie Lougheed