The York University Lions men's basketball team lost 99-74 to the No. 3 nationally-ranked Ryerson Rams on Friday (Jan. 23) at Tait McKenzie Centre.
 
The Lions kept the Rams at bay in the first quarter at 21-19. The visitors took the game slightly further by the end of the half at 52-40. But the Rams took over the second half by outscoring the Lions 76-55 at the third quarter and 99-74 at the final frame.
 
Nidun Chandrakumar (North York, Ont.) scored from downtown for the Lions' first basket.
 
Nathan Culbreath (Kingston, Ont.) and Richard Iheadindu (Brampton, Ont.) linked up well for the fast break to give the Lions an early 5-2 lead.
 
The Rams were able to take the lead through successful three-point shots.
 
Five minutes in, Lions captain Nick Tufegdzich (Tecumseh, Ont.) stepped up to push his team forward, initiating a good ball movement for a basket. Tufegdzich then won a charge call in defence, followed by a three-pointer.
 
Despite trailing by two points by the end of the quarter, the Lions kept the game close.
 
At the start of the second quarter, a series of failed attempts at long shots led to the Lions squandering their tight margin. The Rams extended their lead, besting the Lions at three-pointers.
 
A timeout was called by the Lions at 42-29. Tufegdzich starred after the short break, recording an assist, a rebound and a basket before the next timeout.
 
The first half ended with the Rams taking a 12-point lead to the third quarter.
 
The Rams were ruthless with punishing any mistakes committed by the Lions. The home team was outplayed by the energetic Rams.
 
At the final quarter, Tufegdzich was rested as the Lions looked to hold off the Rams. Rookie guard O'Neil Halstead (Toronto) subbed in and made a well-taken shot from under the ring.
 
However, the Lions were unable to catch up with the Rams by the next timeout at 87-62. Despite trailing by over 20 points, Culbreath showed good determination in scoring and drawing fouls. Culbreath recorded 18 points by the end of the match.
 
Tufegdzich recorded 19 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. The Rams' Jordon Gauthier scored a game high of 21 points and added eight rebounds.
 
The Lions will be back in action again on Saturday (Jan. 24) when they welcome the Toronto Varsity Blues to the Tait McKenzie Centre. Tip-off is set for 8pm.