The York University Lions men's basketball team opened the winter term with an 83-66 win over the Laurentian Voyageurs on Friday (Jan. 9) at Tait McKenzie Centre.
 
An impressive pace by the Lions gave them the early lead in the first quarter that ended with a score of 20-9. The visiting team refused to surrender the game just yet, however, almost catching up in the second quarter that ended with the Lions still leading at 41-32.
 
The Lions were able to extend their lead, taking a 69-46 advantage into the final quarter. The Lions' substitutes impressed in the last frame as the game ended with a lopsided 17-point victory.
 
The Lions showed good energy in the opponents' court. Nick Tufegdzich (Tecumseh, Ont.) made several effective runs down the middle, driving past defenders and shooting in traffic.
 
During the second quarter, the home team was in danger of losing their lead as the Voyageurs caught up from 34-23 to 34-30. Richard Iheadindu (Brampton, Ont.) was subbed in for an immediate impact as the Lions reopened the gap before the break.
 
A series of miscommunications from the visitors gave the Lions the opportunity to increase their lead.
 
Phillip Cunningham-Gillen (Hamilton, Ont.) intercepted a pass from half-court and gave the ball to Tufegdzich, whose slam dunk sent the supporters roaring.
 
Moments later, Nathan Culbreath (Kingston, Ont.) scored a three-pointer following an ankle-breaker by Cunningham-Gillen.
 
The Voyageurs picked up speed as the Lions committed several turnovers in the final quarter. Djordje Babic (Burlington, Ont.) played three minutes and recorded six points from outside the line, aiding the Lions to a comfortable victory. 
 
Tufegdzich achieved the double-double with a game-high of 21 points and 10 rebounds. Culbreath was right behind him with 20 points, 18 of them scored in the third quarter alone, and Iheadindu finished with 16 while shooting an impressive 6-of-9 from the floor.
 
Laurentian's leading scorer was Ryan Bennett with 12 points.
 
With a record of 4-4 this season, the Lions will be looking for a fifth win of the season as they face the Nipissing Lakers at Tait McKenzie Centre on Saturday (Jan. 10) at 8pm. 

The Lions start 2015 with a win thanks to Nick's double-double and Nathan with 18 in the third quarter! ?????? yorku lionpride yorklions basketball mynorth werthenorthyork

A photo posted by York Lions (@yorkulions) on Jan 9, 2015 at 7:46pm PST