MBB - Voyageurs let victory slip away against Lions
The men's basketball team hosted the York University Lions on Friday night. The Voyageurs started off strong but unfortunately let victory slip away, dropping the game 76-74.
To start the game, Caillou Lacroix scored the first two points and Kamil Dia Hantchi netted a 3-pointer. Shortly after, Lacroix netted his own 3-point shot twice and Daniel Muila scored two layups. The Voyageurs were ahead by a few points, but the Lions did not let up, answering to every basket Laurentian was scoring. With two minutes left in the quarter, Ahmad Cidi-Jalloh added another 3-pointer on the scoresheet and Ismael Konate made his first two points with free throws. To finish off, Muila and Cidi-Jalloh scored a combination of 5 points, leaving Laurentian with a 25-17 lead going into the next quarter.
In the second quarter, Cidi-Jalloh scored two 3-point shots, Cedric Mbiaba scored a layup and Konate scored another two points. Pierre Mukandila, Cidi-Jalloh, and Muila scored a combination of 8 points within two minutes. At this point, the Voyageurs had doubled their lead, with four minutes remaining until halftime. With momentum on their side, Mukandila and Muila each scored another layup and Mbiaba added four more points to the board. The Voyageurs were 51-31 going into the second half.
Coming back from the first half, the Voyageurs had difficulties getting organized both offensively and defensively, leading to a scoreless four minutes. Lacroix finally put Laurentian on the board with a layup and Muila added another 4 points beside his name. With the Lions only being 14 points away from equalizing the game, Konate got fouled and headed to the free-throw line, sinking both shots. The Voyageurs were still ahead, this time 60-49.
In the fourth quarter, the Voyageurs scored first, with a jump shot from Mbiaba. With momentum on their side, the Lions scored 10 points within a minute, leaving them with a 3-point deficit. Lacroix, Konate, and Cidi-Jalloh made a combination of 10 points, but the Lions quickly answered and equalized the game at 72 points, with four minutes remaining. Konate scored the last points for Laurentian with a layup. Due to a foul by the Voyageurs, the Lions won the game off of two made free throws.
The standout performers were Ahmad Cidi-Jalloh with 17 points, Daniel Muila with 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Caillou Lacroix with 14 points and 6 rebounds.
The Voyageurs are back in action on Saturday, as they take on the McMaster Marauders in the Ben Avery. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 pm.
-Madison Boileau