A win a half-decade in the making.

The York University Lions men's basketball team picked up its fourth straight win Wednesday night, and, with it clinch their first playoff berth since 2019. The victory also makes this their longest win streak in a decade, dating back to another four-game win streak from Nov. 10-22, 2013.

Following a significant victory on Friday night against the Algoma Thunderbirds, the Lions followed it up with yet another crucial victory over the Guelph Gryphons t at the Tait McKenzie Centre. 

Improving their record to 10-9, the Lions did their playoff hopes a major service in a hard-fought 97-88 victory against the Guelph Gryphons.  

York had three players score in double figures, with Josh Noton leading the way with 35 points, followed by 28 points from Evan Shadkami and 12 from Elias Panagiotopoulos.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The contest got underway with both teams going shot for shot, and the game tied at 7-7. However, the deadlock was short-lived, as Shadkami sparked an 11-2 run with a three-point jumper, propelling the Lions to an 18-9 lead with 3:40 left in the quarter. Noton and Shadkami accounted for 17 of the Lions 23 points in the quarter, with York up by 10 after one.
• The Lions picked up where they left off on both sides of the ball in the second, with York doubling up Guelph, 40-20, halfway through the quarter. Despite a 14-point quarter by the Gryphons' Dezayne Mingo, the Lions remained in control, heading into halftime with a comfortable 51-36 lead.
• The Gryphons looked like a different team out of the break, as they orchestrated a 17-2 surge to start the quarter, and drew level  at 53 apiece. This shift in momentum set the tone for the remainder of the quarter, as the visitors outscored the home side 35-16, thanks in part to another 15 from Mingo, who made all three of his attempts from beyond the arc, securing a 71-67 edge for the Gryphons after three.
• The Lions responded in the fourth, beginning the frame on a 9-2 run, and surged ahead 76-73 thanks to two consecutive jump shots by Shadkami. With the score tied at 83 and 3:10 left on the clock, Shadkami's clutch three-pointer propelled the Lions to an 86-83 lead, prompting a timeout from Guelph. From that juncture, York outscored Guelph 11-5, and took the win by a score of 97-88.

LOOKING AHEAD:

The Lions next action comes Saturday night in Waterloo, with a tough test against the West-leading Laurier Golden Hawks. Action begins at 8:00 pm.