Men’s basketball had everyone on the edge of their seat

By Krista Robinson

The Ryerson men’s basketball team (13-5) took on the Carleton University Ravens (18-0) in a thrilling Saturday night game. The Rams lost 71-68 to the number one nationally ranked Ravens — which followed Friday’s loss against the Ottawa University Gee-Gees (70-63). This marks the second-straight weekend of consecutive losses against the Ottawa teams.

Ryerson’s Adika Peter-McNeilly finished with a game high 26 points and Kadeem Green added a double-double — 12 points and 12 rebounds. Jahmal Jones and Aaron Best had 11 points each and the Raven’s top scorer, Philip Scrubb, finished with 22 points.

“I thought we did everything we could to have a shot to win and unfortunately today it bounced their way,” Rams’ head coach Roy Rana said. “But I think it’s a good indication of what we’re capable of.”

The Rams held the Ravens to a 36 per cent shooting percentage. Ryerson also shot 36 per cent from the field.

At halftime the Rams lead 28-27. The game was tight to the very end, but ultimately Ryerson’s lead didn’t last. The Rams failed to capitalize at the line, shooting 53 per cent — in comparison, the Ravens netted 83 per cent of their free throws. They also outplayed Ryerson on the glass with 45 rebounds to the Ram’s 40 and Ryerson couldn’t take advantage of Carleton’s 11 turnovers.

“We’ve got to take every game one at a time, and hopefully collect as many wins as we can before we begin the next phase of our season,” head coach Rana said.

The MAC was packed with fans anticipating the intense match up. The two teams are on pace to compete in the upcoming Wilson Cup — where the top four teams battle for top spot in the league at the end of February.

The game was also broadcast on Rogers TV.

Next weekend, the Rams head north to take on the Algoma University Thunderbirds and Laurentian University Voyagers.