GUELPH, Ont. - With two different top-five teams in the country coming to the GGAC over the weekend, the Gryphons knew heading into Friday night, that they had a couple of tough contests on paper ahead of them. Beginning that tough stretch with the No. 3-nationally ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees, the Gryphons battled for forty minutes but ultimately came up short to the undefeated Gee-Gees falling 88-70.
All night long, the Gryphons were led by 3rd-year forward Rasheed Weekes. The Mississauga, Ont. native posted 22 points to lead all scorers in the contest, while also picking up 13 rebounds which also led everyone on the court.
Right out of the gate, the Gryphons were able to go toe-to-toe with Ottawa, before building themselves an 18-12 advantage. After a quick Gee-Gees run to end the 1st-quarter, the Gryphons ended the opening frame up 21-20.
In the 2nd-quarter, the Gee-Gees began to show why they are ranked so high nationally. Using a strong all-around game, Ottawa was able to go on a couple of different runs to out-score the Gryphons 24-12 in the period taking a 44-33 lead into the half.
Getting their lead as high as 18 points in the 3rd-quarter, the Gee-Gees continued to put the pressure on Guelph's defence. Even with the deficit though, that didn't stop the Gryphons from trying to work their way back. Having witnessed the big comeback from their female counterparts just a few hours prior, the men began their attempt to replicate that performance.
Trailing 66-49 heading into the final quarter, the Gryphons began the final ten minutes on fire. Getting a couple of stops in a row, along with three consecutive field goals, all of sudden Guelph had the Ottawa lead down to ten. However, the Gee-Gees once again had a counter-punch for the Gryphons. Ottawa quickly flipped the script on Guelph, going on a 7-0 run of their own to put the game out of reach.
Coming off the bench Friday night, Trevor Hutton poured in 16 points for the Gryphons. Keenan Dowell added 9 for Guelph, while Malcolm Glanville finished with 8 points.
The Gryphons will look to turn the page on Friday's loss on Sunday, when they return to their home court to take on the No. 1-ranked team in the country, the Carleton Ravens. That contest is scheduled to get underway at 3:00pm at the GGAC.
