A rivalry as big as the game itself, and a victory just as rewarding, the Carleton men’s varsity basketball team defeated the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees 78-64 Mar. 6 in the Ravens’ Nest.
The win secured Carleton the Ontario University Athletics’ (OUA) East championship title.
The game started off slow for the Ravens as the Gee-Gees came out strong, capturing the first points of the game and maintaining a dominant lead throughout the beginning of the first quarter.
It was midway through the first quarter when the Ravens reclaimed their territory.
Cole Hobin, who was recently named the OUA East defensive player of the year, hit two key baskets, allowing the Ravens to take their first lead of the game.
The second quarter was all about the Ravens, as guard Mike Kenny gained control of the game with connecting passes to Hobin, who hit three-pointers all night.
“As a team I think we performed well,” Kenny said. “We were able to hit enough shots in the first half which allowed us to build enough of a cushion to remain in control for the rest of the game.”
Going into the second half, the Raven fans showed their spirit and the team used the energy to fuel their game.
With huge plays from Kevin McCleery, the Ravens were able to gain a 20-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
However, this did not make the Gee-Gees give up.
Ottawa’s Warren Ward, who lead the team with 20 points, hit some big three pointers, cutting into Carleton’s lead.
With just over three minutes to go, Kenny was taken out of the game due to an injury.
Ottawa continued with steady pressure and with just over a minute left the Gee-Gees got within eight.
Yet Hobin hit another three which sealed the lead.
Raven fans began the goodbye chants, and counted down the seconds to yet another championship title.
With the OUA East title locked up, the Ravens now have bigger things to focus on.
“We still have a ways to go,” Kenny said. “We have two weeks to sharpen things up before we have another shot at Nationals.”
Hobin, who was named player of the game, said “I think the coaching staff is going to instil the importance of defence and rebounding. And obviously our focus now is Nationals and getting another ring.”
Head coach Dave Smart said the team has some work to do before Nationals, but another title could be possible.
“We really saved ourselves tonight with rebounds and controlling the game. We have two weeks to get healthy, work on our defensive skills and make our shots. Nationals will be a big change; [University of Ottawa] knows what we do, the other teams won’t. If we work hard as a team, and are precise with everything, the turnout should be good,” he said.