By Libaan Osman
The Ryerson Rams men’s basketball team began their four-game road trip with a win over the Waterloo Warriors, as Warsame Mohamed scored a career-high 20 points in the 80-56 win on Nov. 9.
It wasn’t the ideal start for the Rams, as they shot just 29.2 per cent from the field to start the game, compared to the Warriors’ 42.9 per cent clip. Their dominance on the glass, however, would end up giving them the edge. Ryerson out-rebounded Waterloo 16-7 and grabbed eight offensive rebounds that led to nine second-chance points, to give themselves 19-14 lead in the first.
In the second quarter, the road team would break the game wide open. Holding the Warriors to just one field goal for over a nine-minute period, the Rams made 12 of their 16 shots in the frame, propelling them to a 48-23 lead at halftime.
Ryerson forced the Warriors to turn the ball over 17 times, which is the most they have all season with Waterloo starters Sam Petrovic and Nedim Hodzic combining for 10.
The Rams did struggle from the line, shooting 53.8 per cent on 26 attempts. In their last game against the Algoma Thunderbirds, Ryerson shot 50 per cent on 22 attempts.
It might not be something to worry about just yet, but through four games, the Rams are hovering around the same free throw percentage of last season (65.4 per cent), that ranked them 16th in the OUA.
Third-year forward Mohamed was the star of the night, coming off the bench and scoring a career-high 20 points on 9-15 shooting, to go along with six rebounds (four offensive) and two steals.
Ryerson’s starting backcourt of Myles Charvis and Jayden Frederick combined for 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists on 10-14 shooting. First-year guard Jaren Jones got some action for the first time this season. Jones’ stingy defence was on full display, recording five points and one steal in 14 minutes.
Guard Yusuf Ali also returned after missing his last game against the Thunderbirds due to an ankle injury he sustained in practice. The Rams were also without sophomore center Tanor Ngom, who was out. For the Warriors, only five players scored on the night, with guard Colin Connors leading the way off the bench with 20 points on 7-12 shooting.
This loss for Waterloo makes it five in a row to begin the season, while Ryerson sits atop the OUA conference with the Carleton Ravens as the only undefeated teams.
UP NEXT: The Rams will stay in Waterloo and take on the Laurier Golden Hawks at the Athletic Complex on Oct.10. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.
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