Men’s Basketball returned from a week-long exhibition tour of Japan Wednesday, going 3-0 against their Japanese counterparts. The Blues coasted on the court during the trip, out-playing the opposition on the boards and on the perimeter as they defeated University of Tsukuba 82-78, University of Tokai 65-52, and Tohoku Gakuin University 94-78 over the past week. Forward Mike Williams, who notched 62 points in the three games, led the Blues in scoring.
Using a shortened nine-man rotation during the exhibition series due to an influx of injuries and exam conflicts, the Blues were able to limit their Japanese opponents despite the shortened bench and jet lag. Head coach Mike Katz cited the team effort needed in the three victories, along with the team’s size and consistant perimeter defence as key measures in attaining the undefeated record.
The Blues went 16-8 last season in Ontario University Athletic play, ending a 17-year drought of 15 wins or less, but lost in the quarter-finals to Queen’s Golden Gaels. Williams was named Defensive Player of the Year in the OUA East.
