Splitting the weekend against the Badgers and Marauders, the York University Lions men's basketball team are heading North to face the Laurentian Voyageurs and Nipissing Lakers.

On Friday evening the Lions welcomed the Brock Badgers to Tait McKenzie Centre, earning a solid home victory. Josh Noton set the tone with the opening basket, but the Badgers went on a run to take the lead 13-5, with the Lions responding on their own run. The Badgers left after the first quarter 20-19 but York was right in it. A strong second quarter produced by the Lions was much needed as they solidified 36 points, and led at half 55-41. A back and forth third quarter kept the Lions on top, and the Badgers were close to a comeback in the fourth, but York had done just enough to earn a 95-89 victory.

On Saturday evening, the Lions were hopeful to repeat their performance, and through three quarters York was dominant, but their energy ran out in the final 10 minutes. McMaster rounded out the first quarter with a two-point lead, and the Lions were energized for the second quarter. Coming out strong, they got their groove and took a half time 42-39 lead. McMaster won the third quarter 19-16 and the game was level at 58 heading into the last quarter. The Marauders continued their momentum and the Lions could not get the ball working with them, as McMaster took an 83-75 win.
 

The Match-up:

Jan. 26 York (6-9) vs. Laurentian Voyageurs (2-13)

Jan. 27 York (6-9) vs. Nipissing Lakers (3-12)

Game Details:

Fri., Jan. 26 @ Laurentian (8:00 pm OUA.tv)
Sat., Jan. 27 @ Nipissing (8:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York - Loss 1

Laurentian - Loss 1

Nipissing - Loss 5

Quick Facts:

York:

• Elias Panagiotopoulos leads the OUA in 3PT percentage (54.5%)
• York's 74.8 free throw percentage is 4th in the OUA

Laurentian:

• Laurentian's 21.1 3PT attempts per game is the fewest in the OUA
• Cedric Mbiaba is tied for 6th in the OUA with 5.3 defensive rebounds per game

Nipissing:

• Nipissing is 4th in the OUA in turnovers per game (12.5)
• Darnaz Mabanza is 3rd in the OUA shooting 89-126 from the free throw line

Lions to Watch:

#3 TRAVON HAMILTON: Third-year guard... Playing in 253 minutes this season through 15 games, he is 22-36 from the free throw line shooting 61.1 percent... His 42 assists is 17th best in the OUA, while he has collected 29 total rebounds (seven offensive, 22 defensive)... He led his side on Jan. 19 against Brock with eight assists and then recorded three assists on Jan. 20 against McMaster.

#22 EVAN SHADKAMI: Fifth-year guard... A team leader for the Lions in field goals shooting 106-266, playing in 539 minutes throughout 15 games (first in OUA), he is 50-59 from the free throw line with a 84.7 shooting percentage (fifth in the OUA)... He leads the OUA from beyond the arc shooting 52-140 and a 37.1 3PT percentage... His 314 points is 5th in the OUA while his 20.9 points per game is 4th in the OUA.