GUELPH, Ont. - With one of the top teams in all of Canada coming in to their gym Wednesday night, the Guelph Gryphons had a big challenge in front of them, but one they certainly felt they were up for. Taking on the No. 8-nationally ranked Ryerson Rams, the Gryphons gave the visitors all they could handle but in the end came up just short as the Rams escaped with a 91-85 victory.
Although the Gryphons were able to hold a lead and play out in front of the Rams for much of the second half, it was ultimately Ryerson finding themselves on top in the end.
In the opening quarter, it was the visitors taking the early advantage. Leading 21-9 just past the midway point of the first quarter, the Rams were able to apply some pressure on Guelph, but from that point on, up until the late stages of the final frame, it was the Gryphons applying the pressure. After the first quarter ended with the Rams up 25-18, the Gryphs really began to make their push.
Using a 30 point second quarter, the Gryphon's offence quickly found a rhythm and began to go to work against the eighth best team in the country. Outscoring Ryerson by ten in the frame, Guelph had quickly dug themselves out of a twelve point hole and had taken a three point advantage heading into the break.
If there were any concerns coming out of the half, that the short break would kill any of Guelph's momentum, those thoughts were quickly dismissed. Right from the beginning of the quarter the Gryphons were able to extend their lead. Then after going back and forth with Ryerson for the rest of the quarter, the Gryphs were able to build up a 73-63 advantage through three.
As the final frame of regulation rolled around, the home side continued to attack. Tallying back-to-back threes to start the quarter, Guelph went up by 16. That would wind up as their biggest lead of the night. However, despite the deficit the Rams pushed back. After going on a run, Ryerson was able to trim the lead to just one possession in the final two minutes of play. Then after they took the lead with a three, the Rams never looked back. Although the Gryphons did their best to battle back, it was Ryerson coming away victorious.
On the stat sheet, the Gryphons were led by Rasheed Weekes who tallied a team high 22 points. Malcolm Glanville pulled down a team high eight rebounds, while Aaron Nugent led the Gryphons in assists with seven.
Guelph will now get ready for their final home game of the 2019-20 OUA regular season when they welcome the Toronto Varsity Blues to the GGAC on Sunday with the contest scheduled for 3:00pm.
