The York University Lions men's basketball team ended their six-game wiinless drought as they defeated the Nipissing Lakers 80-75 to win their first game of 2023 in a thrilling matchup Friday night at the Tait McKenzie Centre.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The contest got underway with both teams going shot for shot, before the Lakers extended their lead to seven at 22-15, thanks to a 6-0 run. The Lions, however, replied with a 9-1 run of their own, which culminated with a Travon Hamilton three-pointer with the clock winding down to give the Lions a 24-23 advantage at the end of a quarter.
• Early in the second, the Lions embarked on an 8-3 run to gain the upper hand, to take a 32-26 lead. The Lions went on to outscore the visitors 25-16 in the quarter with Somto Dimanochie leading the way with 10 points in the frame to put the Lions up 49-39 at halftime.
• The third quarter was all about defence, as both teams struggled to put a run together. The Lions lead advantage was cut to seven, 60-53, after three.
• With the game on the line, and the Lakers continuing to trim the lead it all came down to the final two minutes of action. Prince Kamunga and Alexis Kayonga nailed back-to-back clutch threes – Kayonga's coming as the shot clock was expiring – to extend the lead to 74-66. The Lakers cut the lead to 77-75 with 15 seconds left, but two free throws from Kamunga and one from Hamilton salted away an 80-75 Lions victory.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"We came out prepared and just changed the way we played and approached the game. We learnt to play the game at this level and executed the game plan. This was the first full execution we've had, and to start 2023 like that is a great sign for us." — Head Coach Jermain Holness

LOOKING AHEAD

The Lions will return to home court tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 14 when they take on the Laurentian Voyageurs for the first time and only time this season at the Tait McKenzie Centre. The tip-off is slated for 8pm.