Only three wins separate the Carleton Ravens men’s and women’s basketball teams from U SPORTS national titles.
Bound for the Final 8 showdown, the seventh-seeded women’s squad and sixth-seeded men’s group are headed to Laval and Calgary to compete against the country’s top basketball talents.
With back-to-back heartbreaking losses in the OUA finals for both teams and elimination at stake every time they step on the floor, do the Ravens have what it takes to bring the title home?
Let’s break it down.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The Final 8 is nothing new for the Ravens, thanks to two national titles and a runner-up finish in the last three years. Now heading down to Laval, Que., the young team under familiar leadership look like serious contenders in the tournament, having seemingly found their stride in the new year.
THE FAVOURITES
Halted by a disappointing offensive outing, the Ravens dropped their second consecutive Critelli Cup to the hands of the TMU Bold. The Bold – who are the top seed heading into the Final 8 – have blown past everyone in their way this season, posting a 23-2 record.
Led by dynamic scorer Myriam Kone, who posted 22 points in the Bold’s Critelli Cup win, and OUA defensive player of the year Hailey Franco DeRyck, the Bold look to fulfill top-seed expectations and claim their second title in program history.
Although the Saskatchewan Huskies enter the tournament as the fifth seed, they are not to be counted out as a top contender. Since the beginning of the 2024-25 season, the Huskies have only lost one game, posting a 50-1 record and clinching a national title.
Despite being upset in the Canada West semifinals by the Calgary Dinos (3), the Huskies’ past dominance, plus the talent of repeat women’s player of the year Gage Grassick, could propel them to a repeat title.
CARLETON VS UNB (12:30 p.m. EST Thursday)
In the quarterfinal round, the Ravens (7) will match up against the University of New Brunswick REDS (2), the Atlantic University Sport champions.
Fresh off their first conference title in 27 years, the REDS are searching for their first title in program history and first nationals medal since 1976. Although the REDS aren’t familiar faces in the Final 8, their season-long dominance throughout the AUS granted them the second seed.
The Ravens will look to shut down veteran guards Kylee Speedy and Katie McAffee, who lead the charge for the REDS.
While the entire Ravens lineup will need to pitch in over what could be three gruelling games across four days, the team will inevitably count on stars Kyana-Jade Poulin and Jacqueline Urban. The veterans recently clinched their 1000th point and are X-factors in big-time moments.
To succeed, the Ravens will need to keep their foot on the accelerator, especially under the basket. Through rebounding, finishing their offensive chances or picking up key defensive stops, the Ravens boast a chance at upsetting the second seed.
The Ravens and REDS will kick off the tournament at 12:30 p.m EST on Thursday at the Amphithéâtre Desjardins-Université Laval.
MENS BASKETBALL
The Ravens are back on the big stage for the first time since 2023, recouping from a heartbreaking loss in the Wilson Cup and looking to redeem themselves in Calgary. Despite a late-season stumble, the Ravens regained their footing when it mattered most, and are looking to ride that positive momentum into the Final 8.
THE FAVOURITES
The reigning national champion team, the Victoria Vikes, have been a force this season in university basketball, earning the top seed for the third time in four years. Posting a 20-3 record this season, the Vikes’ superstar talent complimented by their depth scoring, makes them the favourites.
Notable superstar Renoldo Robinson drove the Vikes to the Canada West title with a vital 34-point outing. The fourth-year guard has been a consistent difference maker for the Vikes, and looks to ride the hot hand in the Top 8.
The OUA champion TMU Bold are also an intimidating group in the Final 8. Coached by Ottawa BlackJacks head coach David DeAveiro, the second-seed Bold squad are a defensive beast, trailing only the Ravens in fewest points allowed.
Powered by back-to-back OUA men’s player of the year Aaron Rhooms, the Bold claimed the OUA championship for the first time since 2017. Fifth-year player Rhooms is hotter than ever and knocking on the door of the McGee trophy, a definite headliner on the pre-tournament scouting reports.
CARLETON VS LAVAL (4 p.m. EST)
The Ravens’ first obstacle is the third-seeded Laval Rouge et Or. The RSEQ champions boast the second-best record across the country, dropping only three games throughout the season.
The Rouge et Or recently captured their first provincial championship since 2008, squeezing past the Bishop’s Gaiters (5) 81-78 in the RSEQ finals after storming back in the dying minutes against the Concordia Stingers in the semifinals.
In both games, Quebec’s top athlete Christophe Tshibola was the undeniable spark, including an overtime-forcing bucket with two seconds remaining. He racked up 60 points across the two contests.
The Rouge et Or will look to Tshibola in their opening matchup, a force the Ravens need to shut down. The Ravens’ defensive cornerstones – OUA defensive player of the year Nelson Cilien and veteran Aubrey Dorey-Havens – will be key in the big moments.
The Ravens will need discipline on both ends of the court, as early fouls can put them on their heels — especially against a Rouge et Or team that slashes to the rim and draws numerous shooting fouls.
While it’s important to capitalize on offensive chances, the Ravens’ exterior shooting will need to be on their A-game to complement their dangerous inside play.
Carleton and Laval tip off Thursday at 4:00 p.m EST at the University of Calgary.
SHOWTIME
With the Bronze Baby and McGee trophy within reach, the Ravens are looking to repeat their 2023 Final 8 performances, when both squads captured national titles in incredible fashion.
Now on the biggest stage of the year, can their second wind lift them to the title?
Featured image by Oliver Spillios-Hunter
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