The York University men's basketball team fought hard in a close game on Friday evening against the Waterloo Warriors, but were ultimately defeated 96-91 at Tait Mackenzie Centre.
 
Brendon Chevannes opened up the first quarter adding the first two points for the Lions. Early on, Gene Spagnuolo sunk a three-pointer to increase the Lions' lead 11-4. With two minutes remaining in the quarter, the Warriors fought back and tied the game 17-17 which eventually allowed them to lead 23-22 by the end of the quarter.
 
Nicolas Duncan scored the first two points for the Lions following a Waterloo basket at the start of the second quarter. The Warriors continued to lead the Lions until a steal and a basket by MJ Forbes allowed the Lions to reclaim their lead at 28-27. The rest of the quarter was close as both the Lions and Warriors had a chance to lead, however it was the Warriors who finished the half leading 46-44.
 
The Lions again took the lead early in the third period by one point, 49-48, after DeAndre Pierre nailed a three-pointer. However, it was the Warriors who had the momentum for most of the third quarter and with two minutes remaining, Waterloo picked up their biggest lead 64-55. But the Lions closed the quarter strong and were able to cut the nine-point deficit to six points and finished the quarter trailing 68-62.
 
The Lions started the first quarter strong with Isaiah Scipio adding the first two points followed by Spagnuolo who sunk a three-pointer, cutting the lead to one at 68-67. It was the Warriors who controlled the next few minutes of the quarter, and with three minutes remaining they were able to pick up a ten-point lead at 88-78. The Lions fought hard for the remainder of the quarter nearly tying the game after a lay-up by Pierre brought the score to 88-86 for the Warriors. Despite a strong effort, the Lions fell 96-91.
 
Pierre had a huge game for the Lions adding a career-high 31 points, five rebounds and three assists. Spagnuolo earned 12 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Chevannes earned 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. The top scorer for the Warriors was Nedim Hodzic with 28 points, fifteen rebounds and four assists.
 
The Lions are playing in their last home game until the new year on Nov. 17 against the Laurier Golden Hawks. The game is scheduled to start at 8pm.