Posted: Nov 18, 2016
MBB | Varsity Blues' Hot Hands Give the Voyageurs Their First Loss
The Laurentian University Men's Basketball team looked to carry the momentum of their opening weekend sweep with them on the road in a matchup with the Toronto Varsity Blues. Unable to overcome the hot shooting U of T squad – who shot 64% (14-22) from three – , the Voyageurs fell 97-87. The loss marks the team's first of the season.
A fast paced, high scoring first half saw the Voyageurs lead for the bulk of the 1st quarter. A 10 point, 6 rebound half from LU guard Nelson Yengue kept the Voyageurs within striking distance for much of the opening frame, but following his first rest of the game the offense went dry. A continued offensive drought from Laurentian allowed Toronto to take a commanding lead into the break, who were led by guard Sage Usher's 12 points in the half. Of Toronto's 48 points, 21 of them came from beyond the arc.
The threes continued to fall for the Varsity Blues out of the break, squashing any hopes of another thrilling comeback by the Voyageurs. Time and time again it appeared as if Laurentian were poised to initiate a comeback, but Toronto would answer with a timely long ball. In the final five minutes, rookie sensation Kadre Gray led the charge on one final comeback push, but a couple tough errors from the Voyageurs meant they would fall just shy of staying undefeated. Gray continued his league leading scoring pace adding 30 to the Voyageurs total tonight.
The Voyageurs will wrap their first road trip of the season with a matchup against the undefeated Ryerson Rams (3-0) tomorrow at 8pm.
Stay up-to-date with the Voyageurs by following @LUVoyageurs on Twitter.
Cedric Junor
Sports Writer