OTTAWA — The No. 4 ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's basketball team fell 87-80 to the No. 8 Ottawa Gee-Gees on Friday night, despite a historic milestone for TMU guard Aaron Rhooms. The Toronto native, in his fifth year, scored a game-high 24 points and moved into the top 25 all-time in U SPORTS career points, surpassing Fred Perry (StFX, 1996–01), Philip Scrubb (Carleton, 2010–15), and Maxwell Allin (Laurier, 2009–14). Rhooms is the only active player currently in the top 25.

Despite a competitive effort from the Bold, Ottawa maintained a steady advantage throughout, winning every quarter.

The Gee-Gees established an early rhythm, taking a 21-19 lead after the first quarter and extending their advantage slightly by halftime, leading 43-39 after outscoring TMU 22-20 in the second frame. The Bold kept pace offensively but could not close the gap, as Ottawa answered every run and eventually took the game 87-80.

Ottawa's efficiency proved decisive; they shot 45.5% from the field compared to TMU's 41.4% and capitalized at the free-throw line, sinking 22 of 27 attempts (81.5%). The home side also controlled the interior, outscoring the Bold 28-16 in the paint.

Rhooms led TMU in both scoring and rebounding, adding eight boards to his 24 points. He received support from Maxime Louis-Jean, who matched his career high with 17 points, going 5-for-9 from three-point range.

The Bold will continue their road trip in Ottawa with a showdown against the No. 7 Carleton Ravens. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. inside the Ravens Nest and can be viewed on OUA.tv.