TORONTO — The No. 4 nationally ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold stepped onto the court with a different energy tonight. It was Senior Night at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, a moment of recognition as
Aidan Wilson and
Aaron Rhooms suited up for their final regular-season game with the Bold. With playoff positioning on the line and a first-round bye at stake, it was shaping up to be a game to remember.
In a thriller that came down to the final second, TMU defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves 81-79, securing a direct path to the OUA quarterfinals.
Aaron Rhooms once again proved why he's regarded as a cornerstone of the TMU men's basketball program. The fifth-year forward put up a double-double of 36 points and 10 rebounds, but it was his final bucket that defined the night. With one second remaining and the score tied, Rhooms drained the game-winning jumper.
"He's done this a couple times, where he just kind of takes over the game and says, 'Hey guys, jump on right, I'm gonna carry us to the promised land," said Head Coach Dave DeAveiro on Rhooms' performance.
Entering the contest, the Bold were coming off a four-game win streak, and sat at the top of the OUA Central standings alongside the Brock University Badgers. But this final regular-season matchup wasn't going to be simply a breeze. The Thunderwolves entered the game just behind the co-leaders in the decision, keeping the pressure on and preparing the Bold for the intensity of the postseason.
TMU struggled to find their rhythm in the first quarter, the Thunderwolves taking early control. The Thunderwolves capitalized on missed shots and defensive slips, building a 23-14 lead by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Bold began to settle.
Andrejs Silconoks and
Kevin Toth attacked the rim, while DeAndre Goulbourne provided a spark from across the court, finishing with nine points and five rebounds.
Despite outscoring the Thunderwolves 24-19 in the quarter, TMU still trailed 42-38 at halftime.
Following the break, the Bold were determined to crack their first lead of the game. They did just that at the 5:55 mark of the third quarter, with a jumpshot from Rhooms.
Lakehead was quick to respond to the Bold's challenge, and the team traded baskets for the remainder of the quarter.
Gabriel Gutsmore put up some numbers this quarter, finishing the game with eight points and six rebounds. We also saw late efforts from
Darnaz Mabanza and
Gurdeep Kalsi to keep the score deficit close.
Outscoring the Thunderwolves once again in the quarter, the Bold were just trailing after the third, 61-60.
The fourth quarter was a battle of grit and determination. Rhooms continued to light up the court, and Toth set up the plays while netting a three pointer to keep the Bold within reach.
Going into the final minutes of the game, the energy was intense and the tensions were high. Each time the Bold secured a lead, the Thunderwolves were right behind them, ready to claim it as theirs.
With less than a minute left, we saw two key plays that ultimately served TMU's game-winning fate.
Landon Wright found a layup with 27 seconds left to tie the game, and with one second left in the game, the ball found its way to Rhooms, and he nailed a jumpshot to secure the Bold's 81-79 victory.
"I just understood the gravity of the game," said Rhooms on his game-winning shot. "I wanted to do my best to try and bring us over the top for my team."
The win not only secured a first-round bye and a spot in the OUA quarterfinals on Saturday, Feb. 21, but also marked the end of the regular-season careers of two remarkable players.
"You never have enough fifth-year guys," DeAveiro said of Wilson. "For him to want to come back is a testament to Aidan and how hard he worked in the summer, but also these guys, who he enjoys being around."
When asked to describe Rhooms in one word, DeAveiro's answer was simple: "Legend."
With the postseason ahead, the Bold will now turn their attention to extending their season and adding to the legacy their seniors have helped to build at TMU.
