By TJ Atayde

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men’s basketball team defeated the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees 77-69 on Friday night at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC).

Fresh off their Banner Night victory over the Windsor Lancers, the Bold looked to extend their four-game winning streak as they hosted the Ottawa Gee-Gees.

TMU got off to a rough start, facing some defensive difficulties in the first quarter as Ottawa began the game with a 10-2 run.

The Bold responded with a 10-1 run of their own, highlighted by fifth-year forward Ares Culley-Bremner, who dropped 8 points in the first frame.

“I just wanted to match their physicality and hopefully outdo it and at least set the tone for my team in that way,” said Culley-Bremner on his mentality for his performance.

The teams stayed tight in scoring, until TMU rattled off with an 8-0 run, highlighted by triples off the bench by second-year guard Tobe Ezeokafor and fifth-year forward Ayub Nurhussien, who hadn’t played OUA basketball in 622 days coming into this game.

“I feel amazing honestly…my guys kept my head up and my coaches are there for me,” said Nurhussien, who collected 8 points off the bench on his night.

Ottawa battled back to end the quarter as a three-point play by second-year guard DeAndray Hamilton kept the Gee-Gees within 3 points, marking the score at 23-20 in favour of the home side.

Sophomore guard Ezeokafor, after dropping 6 points off the bench in the first quarter, continued his microwave offense with 5 more points in the second for the Bold, providing a solid 11 points in total.

Ottawa would, however, stay close throughout the whole quarter, ultimately pulling the deficit to 45-40 heading into halftime. 

Standout first-year guard Guillaume St-Pierre kept the Gee-Gees in the game with a 12-point first half.

Poor shooting from beyond the arc and at the charity strike reigned over the Bold throughout the game, especially hurting them in the third quarter as Ottawa took advantage and took the lead midway through the period. TMU shot a total of 7-32 from the three-point line and 20-29 from the free throw line.

Both teams traded blows throughout the rest of the third quarter, but Ottawa ultimately came out ahead with 60-58 into the final period.

The Gee-Gees controlled the beginning of the following quarter, going up 67-62 with just under six minutes remaining.

The Bold then fought back with the pressure now on them, answering with a 7-0 run aided by Culley-Bremner. Second-year guard Nathaniel Savage also provided a much-needed spark off the bench with a three-pointer to tie the game and a steal that led to two free throws, allowing TMU to take back the lead.

“I’m a big competitor, I love winning…It’s just about being ready for when my name’s called,” said Savage, who also provided 8 points in 14 minutes off the bench in the Bold’s previous matchup against Windsor.

Ottawa would level the game at 69 with only three minutes remaining, but TMU would have the last laugh with another scoring run to end the game. This final push notably included Culley-Bremner providing a momentum-shifting three-point play which put the Bold up 5. He would finish the night with a season-high 22 points to accompany his 9 rebounds.

“I just said the toughest team will win this game,” said coach David DeAveiro on what he told his team heading into the final stretch.

TMU, after dropping their season opener to the Laurier Golden Hawks, have now won 5 consecutive games and their first 2 games at home.

UP NEXT: The Bold face off with the Western University Mustangs at the MAC. Tip-off at 8:00 PM on Nov. 14.