The York University Lions men's basketball team battled their rivals from down the QEW, the McMaster Marauders on Friday night at Tait McKenzie Centre.
The matchup carried extra intensity as the two programs renewed their rivalry, having split their meetings last season. Both teams entered the contest seeking their first win of the 2025-26 OUA campaign, with York holding a 0–1 record and McMaster sitting at 0–2.
The Lions wasted no time setting the tone. Guard Nathan Carr opened the scoring with the first basket of the night, and York maintained control throughout the first quarter, leading 24-16 after ten minutes.
McMaster increased their physicality in the second quarter, but York's energy and composure kept them in front. Jerimah Kwarteng led the Lions in scoring in the second quarter with 10 of York's 22 points, as they took a 47-39 lead into the break.
York's momentum carried into the third quarter, where the Lions extended their advantage to 69-52. Kevin Okeke, Malakai Ayres-Olson and Gilian Mavoungou each hit threes for the home side in the third. The Marauders attempted a late push in the final frame, but York's defense and steady offensive execution, led by six each from Kwarteng and Ayres-Olson, sealed the 90 -76 victory.
Kwarteng and Ayres-Olson led the Lions in scoring with 24 and 19, respectively, while Jonathan Rivera anchored the team on the boards as York closed out an assertive performance for their first win of the season.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will head out on the road for the first time this season, making the long trip to Thunder Bay to tangle with the Lakehead Thunderwolves next Friday night. Game time is 8:00 pm, live on OUA.tv.
