GUELPH, Ont. – For the first time in 90 days, OUA men's basketball team finally returned to the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. On Friday night at the University of Guelph, the Gryphons played host to the Algoma Thunderbirds in what was U of G's first home game since November 27, 2021. The home fans were treated to an impressive performance by their team, with the Gryphons picking up a 93-87 victory over the visiting Thunderbirds.
The Gryphons were led by senior guard,
Malcolm Glanville, whose impact was felt at both ends of the floor throughout the evening. The 6'4" marketing management major poured in a team-high 21 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. For Glanville, who will be honoured on Saturday as the Gryphons lone graduating senior, it was the latest in a string of efficient performances, with the Scarborough native going 6-12 from the field and a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line. On the season as a whole, Glanville is averaging a team-high 20.0 points per game, ranking him 7th in the OUA in scoring. While Glanville's production has been consistent throughout the season, Gryphon fans on Friday night also got a glimpse of the type of impact fourth-year guard
Brandon Halliburton is capable of having when healthy.
Prior to joining the Gryphons, Halliburton earned All-Canadian status in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association as a standout guard with the Durham College Lords. A foot injury has unfortunately sidelined Halliburton for the majority of the 2021-22 season, but the arts major finally made his first home, regular season appearance as a Gryphon, and it was a memorable one. Halliburton racked up 16 points off the bench in just 15 minutes of floor time on 5-7 shooting from the field. The Brampton native was 3-4 from beyond the arc, including a deep three pointer late in the 2nd quarter which helped the Gryphons take a six-point lead into the locker room at the half.
The Gryphons were able to carry that momentum into the second half, with the team opening up a 13-point lead midway through the 3rd quarter. Second-year guard Carl Veltman (Toronto, ON) played a big role for the Gryphons on Friday, with the 6'3" sociology major adding 14 points on 5-7 shooting to go along with 4 steals and 3 rebounds. With the win, the Gryphons improve to 2-7 on the season and keep their playoff hopes alive with five games still remaining in their 2021-22 regular season schedule. The Gryphons and Thunderbirds (0-11) will square off once again on Saturday afternoon in Guelph, with tip set for 3pm at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. The game can be seen live online at OUA.tv.
