The York University Lions men's basketball team welcomed their local rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues, to the Tait Mckenzie Centre on Friday afternoon for a School Day matinee. The 3-3 Lions were in search of their fourth victory of the season, and third in the last four games, after a thrilling overtime win over Windsor last Saturday..

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• York scored the first points of the game thanks to reigning York male athlete of the week Josh Noton, York had four players with five or more points in the opening quarter, propelling them to a 26-21 lead over the Varsity Blues through one.
• The visitors started the second quarter on a 13-0 run to grab a 34-26 lead just over four minutes into the frame. York struggled on both sides of the ball in the second, as they were outscored 27-11. The quarter culminated with a score of 48-37 in favour of the visitors.
• The Lions went on a run of their own out of the break, putting together a 11-1 spurt, capped off by an Elias Panagiotopoulos three to make it 49-48 Toronto. York eventually grabbed a 55-54 lead on an Evan Shadkami bucket, but Toronto closed the quarter on an 8-3 run to grab a 62-58 lead heading to the fourth.
• The Lions once again struggled on both sides of the ball in the fourth, scoring only 13 points. Toronto, meanwhile, posted 23 fourth-quarter points and pulled away late to secure an 85-71 victory.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Both teams now prepare for the rematch in this weekend set. The back half is scheduled for tomorrow, November 25, at 2:00p.m.