WBB | Vees Struggle to Find Rhythm in Road Loss to Ontario Tech

The Laurentian Voyageurs were unable to recover from a slow start, falling to 64-49 to the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks and dropping to 10-9 on the season in their final road trip this season.

Ontario Tech set the tone early, capitalizing on Laurentian turnovers and second-chance points to open a double-digit lead in the first quarter. The Ridgebacks outscored the Vees 22-9, forcing Laurentian to play catch-up for the remainder of the match.

Despite the early deficit, Laurentian showed flashes of pushback in the second quarter. Toby Ezenwa brought energy off the bench, attacking in transition and battling inside to generate offence when possessions stalled. Keenan Morain knocked down a timely three to briefly slow Ontario Tech's momentum, while To Randriasalama provided downhill pressure that helped stabilize the offence during a difficult stretch. Still, the Vees trailed 45-23 at the half, as Ontario Tech continued to control the tempo and the paint.

Laurentian responded with its best stretch after the break. The Voyageurs tightened defensively in the third quarter, holding Ontario Tech to just seven points. Ismael Konate anchored the paint during that run, cleaning up defensive possessions and creating extra looks off the offensive glass, while Randriasalama and Ezenwa combined to spark a brief scoring push. The effort cut into the deficit, but missed opportunities prevented Laurentian from fully swinging momentum.

Ontario Tech regrouped in the fourth, answering Laurentian's pressure with timely baskets to keep the Vees at arm's length. Brice Fandio attacked late to close the gap, but the early hole proved too much to overcome.

With the loss, Laurentian sits at 10-9 as the regular season enters its final stretch. Despite forcing 21 turnovers, the club failed to convert on the other end of the court, shooting only 22% from the field. Consistency at both ends will be key as they look to sharpen their execution.

- Brendan Rubin