GUELPH, Ont. — The No. 5 nationally ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's basketball team secured a 79-67 road victory over the University of Guelph Gryphons.
Aaron Rhooms powered the Bold to the win, leading the game with 20 points and seven rebounds.
The Bold entered the matchup fresh off a narrow 73-71 win over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks, while the Gryphons sat second in the OUA West with a 10-9 record.
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, with neither getting on the board until two minutes into the opening quarter.
Aidan Wilson looked to initiate the Bold's momentum, attacking offensively and shutting down Guelph defensively.
TMU trailed until
Maxime Louis-Jean nailed a 3-point jump shot at the 5:30 mark, giving the Bold their first lead of the night. From there, TMU steadily pulled away, ending the first 10 minutes ahead, 20-13.
The Bold asserted their dominance in the second quarter, displaying their offensive depth. Rhooms found his groove after a quieter first quarter, capitalizing from across the floor.
TMU's on-court chemistry was on display when
Kevin Toth and Wilson connected off a give-and-go sequence.
Louis-Jean continued to heat up, finishing with 13 points while shooting 60 per cent from three-point range.
With contributions from throughout the lineup, the Bold entered the half leading 44-30.
Guelph responded early in the third quarter after halftime. TMU's
Gabriel Gutsmore had an early push, but Guelph's offensive pressure quickly stifled the Bold.
The Gryphons outscored the Bold 20-17 in the third quarter and at one point cut the deficit to single digits.
Following a crucial timeout taken by head coach David DeAverio, the Bold regrouped. Wilson, who finished the game with 13 points and nine rebounds, helped steady TMU.
Additionally, Rhooms and
Darnaz Mabanza delivered timely baskets to keep TMU ahead when Guelph narrowed the gap.
The Bold maintained a 61-50 lead after the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was evenly matched between both teams, with the Bold sneaking ahead by just one point in the period.
TMU's defensive drive and early offensive execution prevented Guelph from mounting a late comeback. Toth's defensive efforts and Rhooms's and Louis-Jean's sustained offensive performance helped seal the Bold's victory.
With a full team effort, the Bold pulled away for a 79-67 win over the Gryphons.
TMU will continue their weekend Saturday, Feb. 7, facing the University of Waterloo Warriors. Game time at the Physical Activities Complex is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Fans can catch the game online on OUA.tv.
