TORONTO — The No. 5 nationally ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's basketball team defeated the York Lions for their sixth straight win on Saturday evening, 87-71, at the Tait McKenzie Centre.

The Lions, 2-9 entering the matchup, tried to pressure the Bold early with full-court coverage and physical play in the paint.

Adjusting to York's strategy, TMU wasn't able to pull away as quickly as expected in a game in which they were the heavy favourite. Halfway through the first quarter, the score was 9-4 in favour of the Lions.

Adding to the Bold's obstacles, superstar and reigning OUA MVP Aaron Rhooms picked up two quick fouls in the first five minutes. The guard sat for most of the first half and exited the game early in the fourth quarter due to injury, finishing with just four points in 13 minutes. The early exit was a disappointment for Bold fans, as Rhooms was only 12 points away from ranking 25th all-time on the U SPORTS scoring list.

Despite not having their best player on the court, the rest of Head Coach David DeAveiro's squad stepped up to get the team back on track.

Fifth-year centre Aidan Wilson was dominant in the paint, using the Lions' physicality to slip open for dunks and easy shots around the rim.

Wilson finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds—both game highs and career highs. The Burnaby, B.C., native has been on a tear in his last two games, having set his previous career highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds on Jan. 7 against the Laurier Golden Hawks. His impact was felt defensively as well, recording two blocks and a steal.

The Bold have been a strong defensive team all season, allowing the third-fewest points per game in the province (62.4). They forced York into 16 turnovers, converting those mistakes into 24 points.

With Wilson's help, and guards Gurdeep Kalsi and DeAndre Goulbourne scoring timely baskets, TMU regained control with a 39-25 lead at halftime. Kalsi finished with 14 points, and Goulbourne had 16.

The Bold maintained their lead in the second half, drawing fouls around the rim and knocking down free throws. They attempted 28 shots from the line—eight more than the Lions.

It was the Gabriel Gutsmore show in the third quarter. The shifty guard scored 10 of his 12 points in the period, weaving to the rim with ease. His burst helped prevent any York comeback, allowing the Bold to cruise late in the game.

TMU's lead hovered around 20 points for the remainder of the contest. Despite Lions guard Jerimiah Kwarteng finishing with a game-high 29 points, including several highlight-reel shots, the final score read 87-71 in favour of the Bold.

The victory marks the Bold's sixth straight win—seventh if you include their exhibition victory over the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves during the holiday break. The team is on a hot streak, and the statement win against the Lions shows they can succeed without Rhooms if needed.

TMU is next in action on Jan. 16 for an away game against the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, who defeated the Bold in the OUA semifinal last season. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m., and fans can watch live on OUA.tv.