The Ravens are back to the semi-finals at the CIS tournament, but it wasn't easy. Although the Ravens in the end prevailed with an 83-72 win, UQAM held their own for much of the first half especially during the first quarter. Although they were the eighth seed, they sure weren't playing like it, making quality passes and distributing the ball with ease much to the surprise of the Ravens defense. UQAM actually held a lead at one point, 17-16. The Ravens however pulled away in the first half thanks in large part to Kevin McCleery who was able to use his size to out muscle his defenders.
The Ottawa native used his 6'9 240 pound frame to drive on the inside. Half way through the first quarter, McCleery hit a layup and the ensuing foul on the play. The one man wrecking crew continued to dominate, hitting more layups and hook shots. Michael Kenny, who was coming off a knee injury, had a solid half, posting nine points, all from long distance jumpers. It was a positive sign for a player who many didn't think would be 100% heading into the game. At halftime, the Ravens held a 49-36 lead heading into the break.
The Ravens picked up exactly where they left off in the third quarter, not allowing UQAM to take any momentum. Despite the boisterous crowd, UQAM had some supporters of their own who travelled all the way from Montreal to cheer on their team. They made their presence known in an attempt to keep their team in it.
However McCleery was a challenge that UQAM simply could not handle. Coach Olga Hrycak, the only female men's basketball coach in North America said "Why can't you guard him (McCleery), because he's big? Come on."
It was not that he was only big, he was skilled as well. Elliot Thompson also got in on the act, hitting a few jumpers on route to a 14 point game. Thompson still struggled beyond the arc, going 1 for 5. The one he hit was his first three pointer in the playoffs. Despite that, Thompson has brought hustle into every game these playoffs. Coach Dave Smart believed that he was playing well even when he was not shooting the ball as well as he normally does.
"He played a little more confidently offensively, but he has played well regardless, rebounding and things like that," Smart said. "I'd rather have him play the way he's played without the shot then to see him shoot and not do the things he's been doing."
Michael Kenny after a quick start sat out most of the second half. He had been bothered with knee injuries recently and was sat out last Saturday against Windsor in the OUA Finals. In his 25 min, the point guard notched 9 points in his return. Kenny says his knee is fine and that his team has a lot to improve on against Saskatchewan.
"A team like Saskatchewan is huge, and we have to improve our rebounding and defense," the Ottawa native said. "I don't want any excuses, as far as I'm concerned it's 100%."
Smart agreed that to beat the Huskies, the Ravens would have to bring their A game.
"They're the best team, they won Canada West and they beat UBC. In the first half of their game (against Windsor), they looked great. They are a veteran team; as much as they haven't been here they are a veteran team. We're still young and inexperienced and that was a big asset to us last year, so we really have to fill that void."