MBB | Voyageurs Crush Gryphons on Senior’s Night
The Voyageurs crushed the Guelph Gryphons on Senior's night as the came out victorious by a score of 87-65.
Before the match began, five graduating seniors were honoured for their service to the team by the Voyageurs and coach Shawn Swords. The five seniors included: Kadre Gray, Sam Ivey, Haroun Mohamad, Fafa Ceesay and Litha Ncanisa.
The Gryphons came out flying by going on an 8-2 run to start the first quarter but the Voyageurs soon replied as Sam Ivey got hot from beyond the arc and drained two back to back three point buckets to bring his team level with the Gryphons at 10 points a piece. Both teams would then tussle for the lead but eventually the Gryphons would be the ones who would outscore the Voyageurs 20-18 in the quarter. Both teams shot an identical 35.0% from the field and the Gryphons were led by Viktor Nausedas with seven points and Malcolm Gianvlle with five points. The Voyageurs on the other hand were led by Ivey and Gaetan Chamand with six points each and Ncanisa with four points.
The second quarter was, once again, a back and forth affair between both teams. This time around, the Voyageurs outscored the Gryphons 18-14. They achieved this run by shooting 33.3% from the field while restricting the Gryphons to 25.0% shooting. Gray led the team with
10 points and was followed by Mohamed with eight points. Meanwhile, the Gryphons were led by Nausedas with seven points and Kieran Naus with four points. Due to their effort in the second quarter, the Voyageurs entered the half with a two point lead as the scoreboard read 36-34.
The third quarter was however where the Voyageurs put their stamp on the game. They outscored the Gryphons 27-15 on a remarkable 68.8% shooting while holding their opponents to just 37.5% shooting. Gray continued his hot hand and added another 11 points to his tally while Ivey came in second place in shooting in the quarter with five points. The leading scorer on the Gryphons was Rasheed Weekes with four points and Aaron Nugent and Gianvlle with three points each. At the conclusion of the third quarter, the Voyageurs led the 63-49.
The fourth quarter was the Voyageurs' best defensive quarter as they restricted their opponents to just 17.6% shooting while they themselves shot 47.1%. Towards the end of the match, the Voyageurs went on an 8-0 run to put the game out of reach as they eventually emerged victorious by a score of 87-65.
The Voyageurs finish the home part of their regular season and will now travel to Kingston take on the Queen's Gaels on February 7. The Gaels are right behind the Voyageurs with a 12-6 record, so the game will have playoff implications. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 pm at Athletics and Recreation Centre.
Wali Khan