The Carleton Ravens men’s basketball team has extended their undefeated streak to nine games after back-to-back victories against the Nipissing Lakers and Laurentian Voyageurs, respectively.
The Ravens started off the weekend with a convincing 102-59 victory over the Lakers on Jan. 13.
The backcourt duo Connor Wood and Kaza Kajami-Keane gave strong performances with Wood posting 19 points and Kajami-Keane putting up 18. Rookie forward Eddie Ekiyor was able to dominate near the net, putting up 14 points and nine rebounds.
“When we get going offensively, we’re tough,” said Ravens head coach Dave Smart.
The Ravens lethal offence was on full display as the team was able to win by their largest margin this season.
Carleton played aggressively throughout the game causing Nipissing to turnover the ball 21 times and score 28 points off turnovers.
The Ravens also put up impressive shooting numbers as they had a field goal percentage of 56.6 percent and a three-point field goal percentage of 53.8 percent.
Carleton sophomore Stanley Maymbo came into the game late, only playing 15 minutes, but was able to put up a strong 14 points and go four-for-five at the three-point line.
The next night, the Ravens were able to come out strong again and beat the Laurentian Voyageurs by a score of 99-52.
Wood lead the Ravens once again, and was able to cement the back end as he put up 21 points.
Fifth-year guard Joe Rocca posted a game high 23 points going five-for-five on three-pointers.
Again, the Ravens played an aggressive style as they forced the Voyageurs to turnover the ball 18 times throughout the game.
“We made important shots all weekend,” Smart said.
With a strong field goal percentage of 57.1 percent, the Ravens were able to soundly defeat Laurentian and extend the winning streak to nine games to kick-off the season.
The Ravens will face a challenge next when they take on the cross-town rival University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. Both teams are currently tied for first in the OUA North division with nine wins each.
Smart said he doesn’t believe the Ravens will emerge victorious at Montpetit Hall, as the team needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball.
“When we get going offensively we’re tough but it’s not like that on the road or on a neutral site,” he said. “We tend to get going a bit more on our own court but that’s not where you win the big games, you win the big games either away or at a neutral site.”
