The University of Western Mustangs dominated the University of Ottawa Gee Gees, defeating them 75-48 in the third quarterfinal matchup of the Canadian University Sport (CIS) men’s basketball championship on Friday at Scotia Bank Place.
The highly anticipated game was a matchup of the fourth seeded Mustangs and the fifth seeded Gee Gees.
The game began with both teams playing with equal intensity, trading baskets several times.
The back and forth effort was a fast paced show of buckets and turnovers on the part of both teams.
Ottawa U centre and first team OUA East all-star Dax Dessureault got into foul trouble early, receiving two personal fouls early in the quarter.
At the end of one, Western held a slim 15-14 lead.
After a close first quarter, the Mustangs dominated the second, outscoring the Gee Gees 18-6.
Abysmal shooting in the first half hurt Ottawa U, who hit just 23% of their shots, including an 0 for 8 performance from 3-point range.
The first half ended with Dessureault missing a dunk as time expired, with Western commanding a 33-20 lead.
In the third, the struggles continued for Ottawa U, with the ball bouncing everywhere but in the net, including into the hands of the Mustang players.
Western took advantage of Gee Gee mistakes, and was able to hold a 54-39 lead going into the fourth.
Sloppy play both offensively and defensively was the story of the fourth quarter for Ottawa U, with fouls, turnovers and clanking shots spelling eventual their eventual defeat.
With 2:42 remaining in the game, Dessureault collected his fourth foul on a goaltending call.
With more then two minutes remaining to play, both team’s benches came out to garner playing time, signifying the end of the game.
Ottawa U shot just 27% from the field in the game, in comparison to Western’s 47%.
Leading the Mustangs was fourth year forward Keenan Jeppsen with 17 points and 7 rebounds.
Dessureault led the Gee Gees with 12 points, 8 board and 3 blocks.
Ottawa U head coach David DeAverio spoke about his team after the game, explaining the loss.
“We shot 7 for 30 in the first half, and I think it was worse in the second half.” He said. “We’re not beating a team like that shooting 7 for 30.”
Western head coach Bradley Campbell was excited about the win, and quick to credit Ottawa U’s talent.
“We’re ecstatic, I mean Ottawa is an excellent team.” He said. “We felt that Ottawa easily has the talent, the veteran leadership and the coaching to compete for a national championship.”
Western moves on to the second quarterfinal game, and will play the winner of the Carleton University Ravens and St. Francis Xavier University X-Men game, tomorrow beginning at 8 p.m. at Scotia Bank Place.