TORONTO - The Ryerson Rams men's basketball team played their season opener this Thursday in front of a packed crowd at Coca-Cola Court. The Rams brought home a thrilling victory against the York Lions that finished with a score of 80-67. 

The Rams came out strong and started the game on a 10-7 run with Jayden Frederick (Scarborough, Ont.) scoring all 10 points. The first quarter ended 18-10 Rams. 

Despite the positive and energetic first quarter, the Rams came out flat in the second and coughed up a handful of turnovers which allowed the Lions to make a 10-0 run. The Lions built a one-point advantage at the half and were led by Lions guard Tyler Pryce with eight points.

Ryerson's second half was electric, however, which saw a breakout performance by Tom Dumont (Montreuil, France) who played his first OUA game and first official game on Canadian soil.

"It is true that I was more confident in the second half, I usually get more confident when I start scoring, and that is what happened," said Dumont, who finished with 10 points and a dunk that erupted the home crowd. 

The fourth quarter consisted of solid defensive plays that led to fast-break points and more show-stopping dunks. The Rams finished with an 80-67 win that saw Frederick set his career-high in points with 32. When asked if there was more incentive playing against his former school, Frederick replied, "No, anybody was going get it tonight. It's the first game of the season, I've been waiting for this." 

Rams starting point-guard Tevaun Kokko (Markham, Ont.) was also a key part of the win, contributing with 21 points and strong defensive play. Frederick even commented on Kokko's play saying, "He always brings a crazy amount of energy. That's just him.[...] Having him on the team just gets everybody else amped up." 

When asked about Kokko's and Frederick's performances, Rams head coach Borko Popic said, "On a consistent basis they're our veteran leaders on this team. We're going look to these guys as we continue moving forward." 

The Rams will tip-off once again this Saturday night on the road against the Brock Badgers. Watch on OUA.tv at 8 p.m.