After an early-season bye week, the York University Lions basketball teams returned to action on Saturday night in the nation's capital against the Ottawa Gee-Gees. On the women's side, it was the battle of undefeated teams, with the Lions coming in at 2-0 and the Gee-Gees sitting at 4-0 on the season. On the men's side, the 0-2 Lions were looking for their first win of the season against a 3-1 Ottawa squad.
Women's Game:
The Gee-Gees took control early, jumping out on a 14-0 run led by eight quick points from Victoria Brideau, leading to an early Lions timeout. Ottawa's clampdown defence lhad the Lions struggling to score, as they went 4-of-13 from the field and just 2-of-8 from the free throw line. It was 27-11 Ottawa after one.
The Gee-Gees continued to find easy buckets in the second, going 9-of-17 from the field. Conversely, York could only muster four total points in the quarter, leading to a deficit of 47-15 at the half.
The Lions found their offensive stride in the third, putting up 17 points on with Kiara Loveridge and Alexis Grewal led the pack in scoring in the third quarter. York put up 17 third-quarter points, but found themselves down 64-32 lead going into the final frame.
The Gee-Gees did not take their foot off the gas in the fourth, as they outscored the visitors 21-12 over the final ten minutes to walk away with an 85-44 win.
Men's Game:
Ottawa broke out to a 10-2 run to open the game. However, York was able to hang around thanks to the efforts of Liam Rietschin, who contributed eight points in the opening quarter. However, an 8-2 run to end the quarter from the home side made it 31-17 after one.
York gained some momentum in the second quarter, managing to cut the deficit to single digits at the break. York's Nathan Carr made two three balls and dominating in the paint. He contributed 13 points in the half, with 10 coming in the second. Ottawa still led, but only by nine, 47-38 at the break.
Ottawa took a 7-0 run to open the third quarter, sending the Lions back on their heels and setting the tone for a dominant frame from the Gee-Gees. They outscored the Lions 26-8 in the quarter, extending their lead to 73-46 after three.
The Lions could not chip away at the Gee-Gees fourth-quarter lead, as Ottawa took home a 92-60 win. The two bright spots offensively for York were Rietschin and Carr, who co-led the team in points with 12.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Both Lions teams will head to Carleton for a rare Sunday night twin bill on Sunday. The women's match is scheduled for 6:00 pm, while the men's match is scheduled for 8:00pm. Coverage will be available on OUA TV.
