It's been a long time coming, but the York University Lions men's basketball team is finally back on their home court this weekend.
 
They haven't taken to the floor at Tait McKenzie Centre since December 3, when they fell to the McMaster Marauders. They will look to stop a five-game losing streak this weekend with games against the Nipissing Lakers Friday night and the Laurentian Voyageurs Saturday evening. 
 
Nipissing comes in having won their last two games over Waterloo and Algoma following a 2-7 start. The Voyageurs, on the other hand, come in having dropped their last couple. That includes an 89-65 loss to aforementioned Algoma, giving the Thunderbirds their first win of the year.
 
The Matchups: 
Jan. 13: York (1-9) vs. Nipissing (4-7)
Jan. 14: York (1-9) vs. Laurentian (2-9)
 
Game Details:
Fri., Jan. 13 vs. Nipissing (8:00 pm – OUA.tv) 
Sat., Jan. 14 vs. Laurentian (8:00 pm – OUA.tv)
 
Current Streaks:
York – Lost 5
Nipissing – Won 2
Laurentian – Lost 2
 
Quick Facts

York:

• The Lions lead the OUA in defensive rebounds per game (32.2).
• York is fifth in the OUA in opponent three-point percentage (30.6%). 

Nipissing:

• The Lakers are eighth in the conference in free throws made (147).
• Nipissing had fewer shots blocked per game than any other OUA team (1.3).

Laurentian: 

• The Voyageurs have the most steals per game in the province (10.3).
• Laurentian is the worst free-throw-shooting team in the OUA (61.0%). 

Lions to Watch
 
#1 SOMTO DIMANOCHIE: Fourth-year forward… Has only appeared in six of the Lions 10 games, but is third in the OUA in points per game (20.3)... Had a quieter outing offensively Saturday vs. TMU, only putting up 12 points… That comes after outings of 32 vs. McMaster and 29 in the winter term opener at Toronto… Has provided the Lions with some solid work on the boards as well, averaging 9.5 per game.
 
#12 ALEXIS KAYONGA: Third-year forward… Put up a season-high 12 points in York's loss to TMU on Saturday… Also tied a season high for minutes played (32)... Had his most impactful game on the glass in the fall finale against McMaster when, despite not scoring, he pulled in 7 rebounds in 20 minutes of action.