The No. 1 nationally-ranked Carleton Ravens proved why they are the best team in the country on Sunday (Feb. 15) with an 87-45 victory over the York University Lions men's basketball team at the Tait McKenzie Centre.
 
The Ravens asserted their dominance early and often, taking a 29-11 lead after the first quarter and a commanding 49-16 advantage into the half. The Lions finally found their stroke in the third quarter by matching their total production from the first half, but it was not enough to slow down Carleton, which padded its lead to 75-32 after three and finished with the 42-point win.
 
Carleton's balanced offence produced three players who reached double digits in scoring. They were led by Connor Wood, who poured in 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including an impressive 8-of-14 from behind the arc. He also added eight rebounds, five assists and two steals.
 
Thomas Scrubb had 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal, while Phillip Scrubb chipped in with 13 points, six rebounds and six assists.
 
The Lions were led in scoring by Nidun Chandrakumar (North York, Ont.) with nine points and three assists. Richard Iheadindu (Brampton, Ont.) scored eight points and had two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
 
Despite the loss, the Lions remain in second place in the OUA East standings with a 9-9 record and 18 points, well back of the first-place Ryerson Rams and their 32 points, but also well ahead of both Queen's and Toronto, which have 10 points each.
 
Carleton continues to sit in second place in the OUA North standings with a 15-2 mark for 30 points.
 
The Lions will end the regular season on Wednesday evening (Feb. 15) with a game against the crosstown rival Varsity Blues at the new Goldring Centre beginning at 8pm. They will then play their first playoff game the following Wednesday, Feb. 25.