The York University Lions men's basketball team is playing their first home game of 2024 after opening the new year on the road. Taking a couple of tough losses last weekend against the Ridgebacks and Gaels, the Lions are settled in at home to face the Brock Badgers and McMaster Marauders.
Friday evening at Ontario Tech was a back-and-forth first half of the game, with both teams keeping the other in sight.
Liam Rietschin started things off for York with a dunk while
Josh Noton got the Lions the lead after sinking two free throws. the Ridgebacks battled back to win the first quarter 21-14. York's
Elias Panagiotopoulos dominated in the second quarter to bring the game within two at halftime, Ontario Tech leading 37-35. The Ridgebacks battled in the third to extend their lead 62-49, and York's fourth quarter push was not enough to get them on the leading foot, with Ontario Tech securing a 79-68 victory.
York was headed into Saturday's contest against the Gaels in search of a win, but the Queen's offence stood tall. The Gaels got off on the right foot, winning the first quarter 22-10.
Dante Forchione kick started the second quarter for York with a layup, closing the gap on the Gaels lead, but Queen's continued their surge and were up at half 46-28. The second half of the game was closer as York battled until the final buzzer, adding 27 points to the board but not enough to surpass the Gaels who ultimately won 81-55.
The Match-up:
Jan. 19 York (5-8) vs. Brock Badgers (7-6)
Jan. 20 York (5-8) vs. McMaster Marauders (7-6)
Game Details:
Fri., Jan. 19 vs Brock (8:00 pm OUA.tv)
Sat., Jan. 20 vs McMaster (8:00 pm OUA.tv)
Current Streaks:
York - Loss 3
Brock - Won 2
McMaster - Loss 2
Quick Facts:
York:
Brock:
- The Badgers 7.6 rebound margin per game is 3rd in the OUA
- Jordan Tchuente leads the OUA in defensive rebounds (89)
McMaster:
- McMaster's 17.6 personal fouls per game is 3rd in the conference
- The Marauders 13.8 turnovers per game is 9th in the OUA
Lions to Watch:
#6 DANTE FORCHIONE: First-year guard... In his first year with the York Lions, he has seen action in 12 games, recording 116 minutes on the court... He is 5-10 from the free throw line and 10-31 on 3pt attempts, shooting 32.3 percent, collecting 13 total rebounds... On Jan. 13 against Queen's he shot 3-7 beyond the arc and went 1-1 from the free throw line.
#1 OZZY IBHAWOH: Second-year forward... His seven games played has seen him record 17 total rebounds, 14 defensive and three offensive, while adding two assists... Playing 18 minutes on Jan. 13 against Queen's, he shot 75.0% from the free throw line going 6-8, and was 1-4 beyond the arc to record a seasons high eight points on the evening.
