ARPAN KAUR // yorkulions.ca

The York University men's basketball team overcame the Nipissing Lakers in their home opener of the 2021-22 season by a score of 69-66 on Friday night at Tait McKenzie Centre.
 
The big win gave the Lions their first victory of the season, and their first regular season win since their last win of the 2019-20 season on Feb. 12, 2020, against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Lions kick-off the home opener with great momentum, building a 23-15 lead in the first quarter. With a spark from the three-pointers by Elias Panagiotopoulos, Somto Dimanochie and Brendon Chevannes.
• The second quarter was full of back-and-forth action, as both teams were in search of a game-defining lead. Despite multiple lead changes, the Lakers managed to finish the quarter with a one point advantage over the Lions 37-36.
• The final two quarters were a tough battle for the Lions as the Lakers kept the score close, keeping the game tied at 55-55 heading into the final quarter.
• The Lions restored their lead late into the fourth quarter 65-62 with a dime from Chevannes to Prince Kamunga, giving them a three-point advantage with three minutes left in the fourth. The Lions resorted to defensive play in the dying minutes to hold off the Lakers at 69-66.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

• "It was a really big win for us to learn how to work and execute consistently. That's what we're working on consistently; our focus and effort. Although we didn't execute well down the stretch, it's better to learn in a win than in a loss." — Head coach Nate Philippe.  

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• The Lions were led by Dimanochie who picked up a double-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Followed by two additional double-digit scorers; Kamunga with 16 points and Chevannes with 11 points.
• The Lakers were led by Nathan Riley who also picked up a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.  

LOOKING AHEAD
 
On Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, the Lions face the Nipissing Lakers in a back-to-back clash at the Tait McKenzie Centre in an attempt to win their second straight home game. The tip-off is set for 5 pm.