The Brock Badgers men's basketball team came from behind to win a 92-91 thriller on the road against the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday, Jan. 13.
With the win, the Badgers find themselves above a .500 winning percentage, earning a record of 7-6 in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) action.
It was a team effort for the Badgers with five players scoring in double digits.
Michael Okeke led the way with 19 points off of the bench, Davanté Hackett contributed 18,
Jevon Brown totalled 12, while
Andrew McKenna and
Jordan Tchuente both added 10.
The first quarter was closely contested and high paced, with neither team able to establish a lead of more than two possessions. Freshman guards McKenna and Hackett both hit three pointers in the frame, but Guelph held a 25-23 lead heading into the second quarter.
Guelph stretched out their lead in the second as they shot at 62.5% from the field and got to the free-throw line often. Brown and Okeke provided a spark off the bench for Brock, securing a few steals and converting some impressive layups. However, Guelph continued to lead at halftime with the score 55-44.
The third quarter was frustrating for the Badgers, as multiple times they would close the gap just to have the Gryphons stretch it out again. Brock cut the lead down to four or five points a couple times throughout the frame, but Guelph just kept finding ways to regain a comfortable lead. The Gryphons went into the fourth quarter leading 72-62.
The final quarter saw the Badgers really put the pressure on through the use of a full-court press. Brock was able to force a number of Guelph turnovers and bad shots which led to the Gryphons' lead being erased. The final couple minutes were exciting, with multiple lead changes and ties. After free throws put Guelph ahead by two points with under 10 seconds left, Brown nailed a three-pointer to give the Badgers the lead with one second on the clock. On the next possession, the Gryphons' full-court heave missed, and the Badgers came out victorious.
Next up, the Badgers (7-6) will travel to Toronto on Friday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. for a matchup against the York Lions (5-8). You can catch the game on OUA.tv.
