After defeating the Windsor Lancers last weekend, the Varsity Blues men’s basketball team continued to extend their impressive run of form and conquered the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on January 17 in a chilly night at the Goldring Centre. The Blues were an offensive powerhouse and secured a 94–68 win. 

What happened

Blues guard Nadav Sahar started off the first quarter strong, confidently sinking a three-pointer within the first 33 seconds of the game. The Blues maintained this lead until the end of the first, where guard Callum Baker impressively secured eight points in the quarter while only playing eight minutes. The team also applied pressure defensively, restraining the Ridgebacks to only three successful field goals in the first quarter. The Blues also snagged 14 rebounds and closed the first quarter, dominating the scoreboard 24–11.

The Blues continued their lead and scored 28 points in the second quarter. Second-year guard Noah Ngamba led the Blues in points in the quarter, nailing all of his field goals in only four minutes on the court. Although the team’s field goal shooting percentage became less inefficient, the Blues still dominated the first half 52–33. 

After having a relatively slow first half, Blues forward Anthony Daudu showed out big in the third quarter with a team-high of 10 points and four rebounds — including two impressive back-to-back threes. At this point, the Blues escalated their offensive pressure and successfully shot 71.7 per cent, filling the Goldring Centre with proud cheers. They also had aggressive control of the ball on defense — with 12 total rebounds — and limited the Ridgebacks to only 13 points in the quarter. 

In the final quarter, Sahar scored the first Blues shot and the team’s only three-pointer of the quarter. The Blues achieved a consistent 20-plus-point lead after halftime and were even up by 33 points halfway through the fourth quarter. 

As the Blues entered the last quarter up 77–46, the offensive scoring pressure decreased, as the team added only 17 points. Yet, the Blues closed the game, easily securing a 94–68 victory.

In the end, Baker racked up a team-high 22 points, and Ngamba made 20 points, helping secure the victory. Both a top-three scorer and key player in defense, Daudu added 15 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. The team’s overall defense was unmatched, as the Blues made 21 points off turnovers and 13 second-chance points.

What’s next

The Blues battled with the Queen’s University Golden Gaels — who currently have an impressive record of 12–3 — at home on January 20, but lost 96–91. The team will now travel to play against the Algoma University Thunderbirds on Saturday, January 27.