Brock men's basketball suffer 76-71 loss to Waterloo on Senior Night

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University men's basketball team (8-12 OUA) dropped a 76-71 decision to the Waterloo Warriors (5-15 OUA West) Wednesday night at the Bob Davis Gymnasium.

Prior to the game, the Badgers recognized their four graduating seniors; assistant coach and former player Joel Whitty (St. Catharines, Ont.), Michael Williams (Brampton, Ont.), Mark Gibson (Toronto, Ont.), Didi Mukendi (St. Catharines, Ont.) and student trainer Rob Porter.

Brock opened the game on an 8-0 run and led 17-11 late in the first quarter. Over the next seven minutes, the Badgers went on a 22-0 run while shooting 75.0% (9-for-12), to take a commanding 39-11 lead with 3:56 remaining in the first half.

The Badgers held a 25-point lead at the half, 45-20.

Waterloo would look to chip away at the lead outscoring the Badgers 27-20 in the third quarter, but Brock still held a 65-47 lead after 30 minutes.

With 8:15 remaining in regulation Brock led 69-51, before going ice cold for the remainder of the contest, missing nine straight field goals to end the game.

Waterloo answered with a remarkable comeback, going on a 21-0 run and shooting an impressive 71.4% (10-for-14) from the field in the final quarter to take a 72-69 lead with 1:39 left.

In the final 30 seconds, fifth year senior Michael Williams was fouled outside the arc by the Warriors David Wells sending him to the line for three shots. With a chance to tie it, Williams would knock down 2-of-3 to make t a one-point game 72-71.

Waterloo's Jaspreet Gill would secure the victory knocking down four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds.

Leading the Badgers was Williams who recorded a season-high 22 points highlighted by five three-pointers. Brian Nahimana (London, Ont.) and Mukendi added 12 points each while C.J. Smith (Scarborough, Ont.) chipped in with 10 points in the loss.

Waterloo had four players reach double figures led by Wells Davis who recorded 22 points including 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. Brendan Smith contributed with 15 points and five rebounds. Rounding out the Warriors offensive leaders were Matt Glibota and Gill who finished with 13 and 11 points respectively.

For the game, the Badgers shot 44.1% (26-for-59) from the field, 34.6% (9-for-26) from beyond the arc and 76.9% (10-for-13) from the charity stripe.

Waterloo finished the contest shooting 44.6% (29-for-65) from the field, 37.0% (10-for-27) from three-point range and 66.7% (8-for-12) from the free throw line.

Brock closes out the OUA regular season against the No. 4 ranked Windsor Lancers Saturday, February 16th. Tip-off is scheduled for 4pm at the Bob Davis Gymnasium.