Ontario Tech rally in second half, but Gaels hold on for win
KINGSTON, Ont.— The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks men's basketball team faced a challenging battle, falling 86-79 to the Queen's Gaels in their first away game of 2025.
Despite a slow start, the Ridgebacks showed resilience and a commendable offensive effort led by Keon Baker, Ayub Nurhussien, and Zubair Seyed, who collectively scored 50 points.
The Ridgebacks stayed competitive in the first five minutes, but the Gaels gained momentum, leading 47-33 by halftime. Jesse Okeke was a standout on both ends, recording a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, along with five blocks.
Queen's Luka Syllas delivered a stellar performance, tallying a game-high 26 points, nine rebounds, and six steals. Despite trailing by as many as 19 points in the second quarter, Ontario Tech capitalized on strong shooting in the latter half, outscoring the Gaels in the third and fourth quarters. They closed the gap to within three points in the final minutes, with Baker adding a team-high 21 points.
Turnovers proved costly for the Ridgebacks, with 22 compared to Queen's 19. Ontario Tech demonstrated their depth, earning 42 points in the paint and 20 points off turnovers but fell short in a hard-fought finish.
The Ridgebacks will look to bounce back as they host the Brock Badgers this Friday at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre
Latest Athletics General News
- Jackson and Coore named Ontario Tech athletes of the yearRegent Theatre hosted Ontario Tech's 17th annual athletic awards gala on Thursday night. The gala recognized Ridgebacks student-athletes for the incredible achievements accomplished this past season.
- Campus Clash returns on March 20The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks and Durham Lords are set to tip off the third annual Campus Clash on Thursday, March 20, at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.
- Women's basketball three-peat while men reclaim Campus Clash trophyThe Ontario Tech basketball teams swept the third annual Campus Clash, facing the Durham Lords on Thursday night at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.
- YMCA partnership winds down for winter semesterThe highly successful pilot program that saw Ontario Tech University and Oshawa YMCA team up to get the downtown campus active is coming to end this week.
- Beckett lands on OUA All-Rookie teamOntario Tech men's hockey standout Beckett Langkow has been named to the OUA East All-Rookie team following a breakout rookie season in net for the Ridgebacks.
- Jackson earns OUA All-Star nodRidgebacks women's hockey standout, Julia Jackson, (Uxbridge, Ont.) has been acknowledged as a member of the OUA Second Team All-Star after a stellar 2024-25 season.
