ST. CATHARINES - Delivering pure excitement for the home crowd on Friday night, the No. 5 nationally ranked Brock Badgers were able to secure a 72-70 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues at the Bob Davis Gymnasium.
Second-year forward
Jordan Tchuente delivered heroics for the Badgers in the closing seconds, nailing a game-tying three-pointer with just 40 seconds left, before also tipping in a game-winning putback with only 3 seconds remaining. Tcheunte finished the contest with 10 total points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
With eight lead changes throughout the duration of the game, the Varsity Blues carried a six point lead over the Badgers into the final four minutes, buoyed by a strong night at the free throw line (16-for-19) and excellent interior play outrebounding the usually stout Brock squad 49-38.
However, Brock received clutch three-point shooting hitting 10 field goals from behind the arc on a 42 percent rate, while also adding 22 points off turnovers.
Both
Daniel Caldwell and
Godsman Kwakwah were exceptional from three-point land, combining for seven of the Badgers 10 three-point field goals, while both also registering a team-high 18 points in the win.Caldwell filled up the stat sheet in 32 minutes of action, also recording seven rebounds, three steals, and a block. Meanwhile, starting point guard
Isaiah Bujdoso rounded out the double-digit performances with 10 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two assists.
The Varsity Blues saw an incredible performance from Callum Baker who led the charge for Toronto in the third quarter. The powerful guard tallied a game-high 21 points in 37 minutes, adding seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
The crucial late season division win keeps the Badgers in a tie for first in the OUA Central with the Lakehead Thunderwolves, and first in the entire OUA with the Queen's Gaels, at identical 14-3 records for all three teams. The top four teams at the end of the regular season receive a first-round bye in the OUA playoffs.
Brock will look to continue their current win streak and secure their eighth consecutive victory when they challenge the Guelph Gryphons at Bob Davis Gym tomorrow evening. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on
University Tickets or the game is available via livestream on
OUA.tv.
BADGERS AT A GLANCE
Overall Record: 17-7 (W-L)
Conference Record: 14-3
Next game: Saturday, Feb. 4 vs Guelph Gryphons • 8 p.m. – Bob Davis Gymnasium
For all your Brock Badgers updates make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
