Ridgebacks bounce back against Lancers
OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech men's basketball team bounced back with a 88-83 win over the Windsor Lancers on Saturday afternoon.
In the first half, The Lancers took a 24-19 lead over the Ridgebacks. Windsor demonstrated efficient shooting, making 10 of 17 baskets and 3 of 7 from beyond the arc. Ontario Tech, while trailing, managed 7 of 20 basket attempts and 2 of 8 three-pointers. The Lancers' points in the paint (12) and bench contributions (7) were slightly higher than the Ridgebacks', which scored 6 points in the paint and 5 from the bench. Both teams capitalized on fast breaks with 4 points each. Windsor's largest lead was 7 points at the 8:05 mark, while Ontario Tech briefly held a 1-point lead.
During the second half, Windsor outscored the Ridgebacks 21-15, extending their lead to 45-34 by the end of the half. Windsor capitalized on their free throw opportunities, converting 11 of 13 attempts, while Ontario Tech managed just 4 of 8. Both teams scored 8 points in the paint, and each scored 4 fast break points. However, the Lancers' bench contributed 14 points compared to the Ridgebacks' 12. Despite Ontario Tech's 9 personal fouls leading to Windsor's ample free throw chances, the home team struggled to maintain possession with 5 turnovers to Windsor's 3.
In the third half, the Ridgebacks outscored Windsor 20-14, narrowing the gap with efficient free-throw shooting, going 11-for-14 from the line. Windsor, despite a 10-point lead early in the half, was unable to maintain their advantage, making only 6 of 19 shots and failing to score any 3-pointers. Ontario Tech capitalized on Windsor's 11 personal fouls and managed to edge closer with contributions from the bench, scoring six points, and by securing 12 total rebounds.
Ontario Tech outscored Windsor 34-24 in the fourth half, sealing a close victory with a final score of 88-83. The home team capitalized on their strong shooting, making 11 of 19 baskets, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, and converted 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. Ontario Tech's Zubair Seyed was instrumental, contributing with key points in the paint and from beyond the three-point line. The Lancers' Yashar Greaves-Saadat and Simeon Smith led their attack, but their efforts fell short despite Windsor holding an eight-point lead early in the half.
Zubair Seyed stood out for the Ridgebacks with a strong performance, leading the team in total points with 27, including making nine baskets and three 3-pointers. His contribution also featured six assists and three steals, highlighting his all-around gameplay. Keon Baker also made a significant impact by scoring 17 points, sinking three 3-pointers, and contributing four assists and two blocks. Ayub Nurhussien was effective at the free-throw line, making six out of seven attempts, contributing to his total of 13 points. Jesse Okeke added to the defensive effort with two blocks and five rebounds.
Ontario Tech holds an overall and conference record of 3-1 after the win and will now head out on the road to take on the Algoma Thunderbirds next weekend.
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