MBB | Voyageurs Suffer Defeat to Ontario Tech in a Nailbiter

The Laurentian University Voyageurs Men's team took on the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in a Sudbury Saturday Night showdown. In a game where the Voyageurs once trailed by 14, they showed resilience, losing the game in a final score of 75-72 to snap their four-game win streak.

The game began similarly to their win against Queen's, with smart shot selection and equally impressive defence. Brice Fandio continued to prove his starting status, with moves and passes as soft as silk, and Keenan Morain began his breakout game with seven points in the first ten minutes, including one of his two made shots beyond the arc. Laurentian finished the quarter with a pair of baskets to equalize the match at 22.

After a brisk two-minute break, the Ridgebacks went on a 7-0 run to pull away with the lead. The Voyageurs closed the gap quickly with a set of floaters and a three-pointer from Fandio, so deep that North Bay saw the ball in the air. Despite their quick turnaround, defensive breakdowns and just four points in the final three minutes led the Vees to trail 50-37 at halftime.

As they tend to do, Laurentian made timely adjustments during the stoppage. Morain continued to display his offensive prowess, helping the Vees close the deficit. Fandio remained composed, stealing the show with several of his nine assists, alongside a buzzer-beating stepback three to finish the third down 64-60.

The home team didn't miss a beat coming back to the court, forcing a double dribble during Ontario Tech's first possession. Fandio tied the game on a three-pointer to beat the expiring shot clock with just north of five minutes left in the game. Laurentian took the lead once again two minutes later on an Ismael Konate free throw. Both teams would trade buckets, shifting between a tie and a lead. Ultimately, the Ridgebacks would pull ahead at the end of the game, concluding the dramatic outing.

Regardless of the score, one thing is for certain: Keenan Morain displayed skill that cannot go unnoticed. The centre proved that he is more than a big man to occupy the paint, he can be lethal from distance and all the in-betweens.

The Voyageurs now sit at 4-4, with a short break before their next game versus Nipissing on the road.

- Brendan Rubin