The York University Lions men's basketball team welcomed the Ottawa Gee-Gees to Tait McKenzie Centre on Saturday night, with Ottawa entering the matchup in search of its 10th win of the season. York looked to earn a split of their weekend against their Capital-based combatants after a loss to the Carleton Ravens on Friday night.

The Lions found themselves on the back foot early as Ottawa controlled the opening quarter. The Gee-Gees built momentum through balanced scoring and strong rebounding, while York struggled to find consistency offensively early, trailing 15-6. Jordan Nelson and Malakai Ayres-Olson provided sparks for the Lions, who battled back thanks to a 13-3 run over the final 2:57 and took a 22-21 lead to the second.  

The second quarter remained tightly contested as York battled to keep pace, but Ottawa managed to edge ahead heading into the break. Ayres-Olson and Nathan Carr provided scoring stretches for the Lions, combining for 12 points, while Owen Kenney had seven of his 22 in the quarter for Ottawa. York led by as many as four in the second, and held a 45-43 lead at the break. 

Ottawa created separation in the third quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and strong interior play to take the lead. Deandray Hamilton and Justin Tounkara paced the Gee-Gee's during a decisive stretch, while York struggled to find offensive rhythm. The Gee-Gees outscored the Lions 20-5 in the third, and took a 63–50 advantage into the final frame. 

The garnet and gray maintained control in the fourth, answering every York push with baskets of their own and defensive pressure. Jerimiah Kwarteng and Nickele Harris led the Lions' late push, but turnovers and missed opportunities stalled any comeback attempt, as Ottawa handed York a 74–66 loss. 

LOOKING AHEAD:
Following the loss, the Lions will hit the road for a mid-week matchup against the Brock Badgers on Wednesday, January 28. Note the early start time of 6:00 pm. You can stream the game live on OUA TV.