The York University Lions men's basketball team welcomed the Lakehead Thunderwolves to the Tait McKenzie Centre Saturday for the Lions' home opener. The Lions ended up making their home crowd very happy with a 90-78 win over the Thunderwolves.
 
The game didn't go the Lions' way the entire time – they had to put up quite a fight for their win. The Thunderwolves asserted their dominance on the court right away, with a nine-point lead after four minutes of play, and the Lions initially struggled to adjust and catch up to them. The Lions were able to focus and gain control of the ball and they managed to tie up the score 21-21 at the end of the first quarter.
 
The Lions overtook the Thunderwolves in the second quarter. However, the lead was short-lived and the Thunderwolves had once again taken over the lead by the end of the quarter. Only a three-point difference separated the two teams at 42-39.
 
The third was the Lions' quarter. They not only caught up to the Thunderwolves, but surpassed them to finish with a 10-point lead at the end of the quarter. Heading into the fourth, the score was 68-58 in favour of the Lions. The Lions battled hard to maintain this lead and continue scoring points. They finished the game with a 12-point lead over the Thunderwolves and a final score of 90-78.
 
The Lions had five players in double digits and were led by third-year guard Chevon Brown with 18 points. Third-year forward Brandon Ramirez led the team in rebounds, with nine, and chipped in 13 points. Also hitting doubles digits were Josiah Riley with 14 points, Prince Kamunga with 13 and Gene Spagnuolo with 12.
 
Top scorer for the Thunderwolves was Nick Burke with 18 points.
 
The Lions will remain at home for their next game and look to start a winning streak when they take on the Brock Badgers on Friday, Nov. 3. Tip-off is at 8pm.