After their heartbreaking loss in the CIS semifinals last year, the Ravens men’s basketball team came into the season looking for redemption, and concluded it with their sixth national title in seven years.
With a lineup that featured veteran senior players and a young, talented bench, expectations were high for the team, evidenced by their pre-season number one national ranking.
It was a ranking from which the Ravens would fall for only one week, before reclaiming it and holding on until the end of the season.
Carleton would rely on seniors and tri-captains Aaron Doornekamp, Rob Saunders and Stu Turnbull from the first tip of the season to the last basket.
The team stumbled out of the gate to begin the regular season, losing their first game at Windsor, but instantaneously found their stride and reeled off 21 straight wins.
Remaining composed, the team rolled through the OUA playoffs, including their third victory of the season over cross-town rival University of Ottawa, before taking home the OUA championship.
In recognition of their accomplishments, Turnbull and Doornekamp were named First and Second team All-Canadian respectively, while Saunders won the Defensive Player of The Year award.
Head coach Dave Smart was honoured with the Stuart W. Aberdeen memorial trophy, which goes to the top coach in the CIS. It was his third in the past eight seasons.
After winning their first game comfortably at the CIS Final 8 at Scotiabank Place, the University of Western would test the Ravens’ mettle.
A last second shot by Turnbull gave the Ravens the win and put them one game away from a national championship.
In a back and forth final between Carleton and the University of British Columbia, the Raven’s willpower proved too strong and the team would not be denied their prize, winning the game 87-77.
Saunders was named player of the game, while Turnbull received the Jack Donohue Trophy as the CIS Final 8 tournament MVP.
The title allows the tri-captains to end their collegiate careers as champions once again, as well as contributing another title to the Carleton’s incredible basketball dynasty.
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