GUELPH, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphons men's basketball team officially tipped off their 2023-24 regular season schedule Friday night (Nov. 3), hosting the defending OUA champion Ottawa Gee-Gees. Despite a strong opening quarter the Gryphons fell behind in the third and were unable to overcome the Gee-Gees lead, falling 86-66 in their season-opener. 2022-23 OUA Rookie of the Year and standout guard, Dezayne Mingo, led all scorers in the game with 18 points wile also brining in 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals to start 2023-24 with a strong showing. Third-year Milton native, Mathew Oliver, had an impressive effort coming off the bench for the Gryphons, shooting 66% from the field to score 12 points in 21 minutes on the court. 

The Gryphons connected of 4 shots from beyond the arc in the opening quarter while holding the Gee-Gees to just 7 field goals to head into the second frame tied 20-20, but a 27% shooting performance in the second would see the defending champs head into the half with 9-point lead. The third quarter saw the visiting team extend their lead, outscoring the Gryphons 22-11 to build a 20-point lead with just one period remaining. Despite a stronger quarter front he Gryphons defensively, the Gee-Gees would leave the Gryphons Athletics Centre with the win. 

The Gryphons (0-1) will return to the court at the GGAC Saturday night (Nov. 4) when they host the defending U SPORTS champion Carleton Ravens. Tip off is set for 8pm after the conclusion of the women's match against the Ravens with tickets available at gryphons.ca/tickets. The game will also be available at www.oua.tv for live online viewing.