The Ryerson Rams are Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS) bronze medalists after defeating the University of Victoria Vikes 82-68 on home court.
The game was played in front of a near-empty stadium and started with constant missed shots by both sides.
“It was difficult, because we didn’t really have much time to recuperate,” Rams guard Adika Peter-McNeilly said. “Our bodies are sore, and obviously we weren’t really in it at the beginning of the game, but when you look at it, to try to come in third in the nation you have to try and win.”
The Rams’ star guard Jahmal Jones quickened the pace with a three, but Vikes forward Chris McLaughlin responded quickly.
Jones had all of his team’s seven points halfway through the first. The Rams began to find a rhythm taking a 19-15 lead at the end of the first.
The Rams started the second quarter out strong with Aaron Best hitting a three and Jones with a nice put-back.
Mclaughlin continued to try to keep his team in the game, being a presence down low. The teams continued to trade baskets as Jones lead the Rams.
The half ended with Ryerson narrowly on top 39-37. Jones led the Rams with 11 points at half, an impressive change from his disappointing game the night before.
“It’s heartbreaking to see such a young kid who’s had a fantastic career struggle on a big stage, and I think he bounced back and showed people why he’s one of the best players in the country today,” Rams head coach Roy Rana said.
The Vikes managed to tie things up in the third, but the Rams continued to steal back the lead.
Victoria took their first lead with two minutes left in the frame off a layup from McLaughlin.
It was short-lived as Jean-Victor Mukama tied it up for the Rams.
The fourth quarter started with both teams trading baskets, keeping the game within one.
Jones continued to carry his team hitting tough shots to keep them on top. The Rams began to pull ahead taking a 14-point lead with five minutes left.
The Vikes’ shots just weren’t dropping as they had four back to back missed threes.
“I just think in the end we just had a little bit more legs on us,” Rana said. “Their threes fell short and we did a better job at taking the ball from McLaughlin down the stretch.”
Marcus Tibbs finally started to produce, hitting a three for the Vikes, but it was too little too late as the Rams took the game 82-68, and forced Victoria to finish fourth for the second straight season.
Jones led the Rams with 25 points, Peter-McNeilly had 21, while McLaughlin led the Vikes with 22 points.
Peter-McNeilly’s performance could be foreshadowing next season for the Ramswith three big players Jones, Bjorn Michaelsen, and Jordan Gauthier graduating.
“I’ll take any role. I come and I play basketball,” Peter-McNeilly said. “If the coach says play harder, I’ll play harder.”
Even though it was not gold, the Rams were still satisfied winning a bronze medal on home court.
“It was a little bittersweet, I mean I wish we were playing for gold, but I’m proud of the team,” Rana said. “We bounced back and I thought they gave it a tremendous effort tonight, so I’m happy.”
