By Chris Blanchette
The number one ranked Ryerson men’s basketball team returned home to defeat the Brock Badgers 104-79 on Wednesday night.
Ryerson gave up 18 points in the first quarter, which clearly became the focal point of the team once the second began. The Rams were able to outscore Brock 21-4 in the second quarter. The Rams jumped out to a 21-point lead in front of an absolutely packed Mattamy Athletic Centre. As if to show up Aaron Best’s 10 points in the first quarter, Ryerson forward JV Mukama ended the half with 13 points of his own.
The Rams ran wild in transition, executing “Ryerson’s brand of basketball” perfectly – this led to an emphatic baseline slam from Mukama. Off of 46 per cent shooting from the field (18-39) and 40 per cent shooting from three-point range (6-15), Ryerson carried a 43-22 lead over Brock going into the half.
Ryerson opened up an even larger lead as the third quarter carried on. Even Ryerson center Adam Voll, calmly walked up to the top of the key and drained a three-pointer. During pre-game introductions Best burst out of the player huddle and jumped through the air. After watching Best rise up for an alley-oop in the third quarter, it became clear that his pre-game ritual was just foreshadowing for that eventual dunk.
Brock had a run of their own towards the end of the third. After trailing by 30 for most of the quarter, the Badgers finally started hitting shots and were able to cut Ryerson’s lead 19.
In the end, the Rams proved to be too much for the Badgers. Mukama finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Best led the way with 28 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
Ryerson players were unavailable for comment.
The Rams will take on Laurier on Friday night when they’ll look to continue their winning ways and hold their number one spot atop the CIS rankings.
Leave a Reply