MBB | Voyageurs Defeated at the Hands of Ridgebacks

The Laurentian Voyageurs men's basketball team returned home for the first time in three weeks, hosting the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Friday night at the Ben Avery Gym.

Laurentian entered the game looking to build on the much-needed momentum they gained last weekend after defeating the Algoma Thunderbirds. Facing a Ridgebacks team they had already beaten earlier in the season presented a great opportunity to establish themselves as a solid middle-of-the-pack team in the OUA.

Unfortunately for Laurentian, the first quarter did not go according to plan. After jumping out to a 9-0 run to begin the game, things quickly derailed. Ontario Tech managed to tie it up at 12-12, then ended the quarter on an 8-0 run, putting the Voyageurs in an early hole, down 22-15 after one.

The second quarter was more evenly matched, with both teams playing strong defense while their offenses struggled at times. Laurentian leaned on their starters, who combined for all 16 of the Vees' second-quarter points, with Ismael Konate leading the charge with six points. However, the Voyageurs were unable to make a dent in the Ridgebacks' lead, which remained at seven going into halftime.

The third quarter saw more of the same, with the teams matching each other stride for stride. However, the hero of the quarter for Laurentian was Evan Boudreau-Munro. In his six minutes off the bench, Boudreau-Munro scored nine points on 3-5 shooting, helping Laurentian cut the lead to six going into the fourth and final quarter.

In the end, it would be too little, too late. Despite a strong push and cutting the lead down to as little as three points, the Voyageurs could never get any closer. Ontario Tech ultimately came away with a 63-59 win on the road.

The Voyageurs' standout performers in the game included Nginyu Ngala, who had a team-high 18 points, along with two assists and five rebounds, as well as the aforementioned Konate, who ended the game with 11 points and nine rebounds in a solid performance.

Laurentian caps off their weekend with their annual game at the Sudbury Community Arena, where they will welcome the Queen's Gaels to town Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. in downtown Sudbury.

- Andrew Lemieux