The York University Lions basketball teams kicked off their 2025 schedule on the road against the Brock Badgers Wednesday night. The Lions looked to earn their fourth and third wins of the season, respectively, against two strong Brock squads – both of which came in with 7-3 records.
Women's Game:
In a quarter dominated by defense, the Badgers were able to find success mostly from the free throw line. Lions star Kiara Loveridge provided seven of her team's nine first-quarter points to help York stay in the game, down 17-9 after one.
Loveridge remained hot in the second, dropping back-to-back jump shots to begin the frame. The Badgers responded with two three balls in the quarter, and led 30-18 at halftime despite going just 4-of-13 from the field in the second.
A Naimh Heath three ball on York's first possession of the second half cut the lead to single digits. However, the Badgers quickly extended back to a double-digit lead, notably from behind the arc with Angeline Campbell's third and fourth threes of the game in the quarter. After the Lions cut it to eight at 38-30, a 6-0 Brock run ballooned the lead back to 14, and the Lions trailed 52-34 after three.
Though the Lions found some offence in the second half, they were unable to get consistent stops, as the Badgers offence did not let up in the final frame. Loveridge accounted for exactly half the Lions points herself by finishing with 27, it came in a losing cause as York fell 69-54. Three-point shooting was ultimately the main difference, with Brock outscoring York 24-9 from beyond the arc.
Men's Game:
A trio of Brock three balls and inside paint work helped them open the game on a 15-4 run. Big man Liam Rietschin was the main bright spot for the Lions in the first quarter, scoring four of their seven points in the frame, as Brock led 21-7 after one.
The visitors were held to just two points in the second, their only field goal coming courtesy of Rietschin. Brock took a 35-9 lead to halftime.
Coming into the third quarter, the Lions continued to struggle on offence, while the Badgers opened up the lead. Rietschin did manage to break into double digit scoring, but York found themselves down 61-18 after three quarters.
Although having a much more productive offensive showing in the fourth quarter, outscoring Brock 19-10, the Badgers took it by a score of 61-37.
LOOKING AHEAD:
With both Lions squads suffering losses to open 2025, they will next hit downtown Toronto to face a pair of struggling Toronto Varsity Blues teams. Taking place on Saturday, January 11th, the women's game will tip off at 6:00 pm, while the men's will follow after at 8:00 pm. Coverage will be available on OUA TV.
