Box Score

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University men's basketball team (5-8 OUA) dropped a 93-64 decision to the No. 3 ranked Ryerson Rams (10-3 OUA) in front of a sold out crowd at the Bob Davis Gymnasium Wednesday night.

Prior to the ceremonial tip-off, Brock University President Dr. Jack Lightstone thanked all the sponsors and supporters that were in attendance for this special home event. He also acknowledged the committment, dedication and generous support to the university and athletics by David S. Howes, who will always be remembered.

"I am very proud of our guys for playing a solid three quarters against one of the top teams in the country," said head coach Charles Kissi. We have to learn how to work harder to close out games, but this was a great learning experience for our young squad. The future is very bright for the Brock men's basketball program."

The Badgers found themselves down 11-2 early on and continued to claw back into the game the entire first half, trailing by just four, 42-38, at the break.

The sellout crowd was rocking tonight at the Bob Davis Gymnasium. Right from the starting lineup introductions and light show, celebrity in game host Drew Ebanks kept the energy up and the crowd electric the entire 40 minutes. This is what CIS Basketball and sports are all about. Taking pride in what you stand for and cheering on your school and showing your colours. 

The Badgers continued to battle and brought the score within one point, 57-56 with 1:59 left in the third quarter. Ryerson's offense then came alive putting togther a 14-1 run, over a two minute span, to take a 71-57 lead at the end of thirty minutes. The high-scoring Rams, continued their run in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 of the next 20 points, to take a commanding 89-59 lead, on route to their seventh straight victory. 

Dani Elgadi (Waterloo, Ont.) led the Badgers offense registering 23 points and 16 rebounds for the double-double. Rookie Johneil Simpson (Toronto, Ont.) added 16 points while Yusuf Ali (Toronto, Ont.) chipped in with eight points off the bench.

Ryerson had five players in double figures led by Adika Peter-McNeilly who recorded a game-high 24 points, highlighted by six three-pointers (6-for-12). Jean-Victor Mukama contributed with 17 points and five rebounds, while Aaron Best (14 pts, 5 reb), Bjorn Michaelsen (13 pts, 5 reb) and Kadeem Green (11 pts, 10 reb, double-double) rounded out the Ram leaders. Senior Jahmal Jones chipped in with eight points and six assists in the victory.

For the game, Brock shot just 29.0% (18-for-62) including 22.2% (4-for-18) from beyond the arc. They were also 24-for-28 (85.7%) from the charity stripe. The Rams went 34-for-65 (52.3%) from the floor, 13-for-26 (50.0%) from three-point land and 12-for-18 (66.7%) from the free throw line. Ryerson also won the battle on the boards, outrebounding Brock by a 43-33 margin.

The Badgers return to action this Saturday, January 31st at 3pm when they take on the Guelph Gryphons on the road in a key OUA Central Division matchup.