WATERLOO, Ont. — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's basketball team found a way to continue their winning ways, as they escaped Waterloo with a 78-73 victory over the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.
The victory moved TMU to 7-4 this season with just 10 games remaining in the 2022-23 OUA regular-season.
TMU led by as many as four in the final two minutes, but the Golden Hawks refused to go down without a fight. The Bold were up one with a 66-65 advantage with just 11 seconds remaining, but a turnover off the inbound gave the ball back to the Golden Hawks. Laurier proceed to go 1-2 from stripe to tie the ball game and ultimately, force overtime.
From there, the Bold were able to regain control, with Aaron Rhooms leading the way. The 2021-22 U SPORTS Rookie of the Year, scored five of his team-high 23 points in overtime, including a three-pointer in the opening minute of the extra frame to give TMU a lead they would never relinquish.
Thanks to the 23-point performance, Rhooms moved into fifth in the OUA in scoring with 19.9 points-per-game. Lamar Everd and Simon Chamberlain joined Rhooms in double digits, totalling 18 and 10 points, respectively. Lincoln Rosebush chipped in eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
Despite the loss, Laurier remains atop of the OUA West with their 8-6 record.
The Golden Hawks were a great tune-up for the Bold, who will see two of the perennial OUA powerhouses pay a visit to the Mattamy Athletic Centre next weekend. The Ottawa Gee Gees and Carleton Ravens will each make the trip to Toronto to take on TMU. The Gee Gees are 9-2, while the defending national champion Ravens are 10-2.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Friday and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
