Experience reigns supreme in Rams win over Gaels

TORONTO, Ont. - The two-time defending Wilson Cup champion Ryerson Rams showed postseason experience can make all the difference, as the Rams withstood a third quarter surge by the Queen's Gaels and went on to a big 103-79 victory and advanced to the OUA quarter-final.

After holding the lead for much of the first half, including by as many as 15 points, the Rams saw their lead disappear midway through the third quarter. Queen's swung the momentum to their side and played with the lead for about four minutes before Ryerson responded to take a 68-66 lead into the fourth quarter.

Rather than panic, the Rams came out of the quarter break calm and poised to close out the victory. Ryerson's offence came alive in the fourth, piling up 35 points in the final ten minutes. It was also a testament to the age-old "defence wins championships" formula as the Rams allowed Queen's to score just 13 points, their lowest total in a quarter, to secure the win.

Ryerson shot the lights out from the field, finishing 50% from both the floor and from three-point range. More than half of Ryerson's field goals came from beyond the arc as the Rams went 19-for-38 from long distance and 34-for-68 overall.

Rams guard Manny Diressa finished with a game-high 30 points while adding seven assists. JV Mukama chipped in with a big 24 points while Filip Vujadinovic posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The victory sends the Rams through to the OUA quarter-final on Saturday night. Ryerson will travel to Ottawa to take on the Gee-Gees at Montpetit Hall starting at 7:00 p.m. on February 24th.

Source: Ryerson Rams