The Ontario University Association (OUA) men’s basketball playoffs got under way with four outstanding games and lots of playoff intensity, as one would expect in a win or go home game.
Western Mustangs 78 – McMaster Marauders 67
Mustangs Top Performers: Ryan Barbeau 22 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and Andrew Wedemire 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists.
Marauders Top Performers: Cam Michaud 16 points, 3 rebounds and Kenan Etale 15 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
Up next: The road show continues against a familiar opponent in the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The two teams split their two conference games. This will mark their third meeting in less than 10 days.
Laurier Golden Hawks 80 – Guelph Gryphons 72
Golden Hawks Top Performers: Kale Harrison 23 points, 4 rebounds and Matthew Buckley 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and Maxwell Allin 11 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists
Gryphons Top Performers: Michael Petrella 19 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and Kevin Cameron 14 points & 11 rebounds
Up next: A marquee match-up against the Windsor Lancers. The Golden Hawks will need to come big on the road if they hope to earn a berth to the 2011 Wilson Cup. The Lancers swept the regular season series, handing Laurier two losses in the month of February.
Ottawa Gee-Gees 83 – Laurentian Voyageurs 77
Gee-Gees Top Performers: Warren Ward 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists & Louis Gauthier 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals.
Voyageurs Top Performers: Mike Hull 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists & Isiah Pasquale 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists.
Up next: A trip down highway 401 and a date with the Toronto Blues. The Gee-Gees split the regular season series, winning in Toronto as Warren Ward exploded for 41 points and 10 rebounds.
Ryerson Rams 80 – York Lions 70
Rams Top Performers: Ola Adegboruwa 24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals & Bjorn Michaelsen 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks.
Lions Top Performers: David Tyndale 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and Ostap Choliy 19 points, 3 steals, 2 rebounds, 2 steals.
Up next: The undefeated Carleton Ravens await the Rams at the Ravens Nest in the Nation’s capital. The Rams dropped both games and will need to slow down Carleton’s juggernaut offence, as they averaged 94.5 points.