Banner Season: Ottawa defeats Queen’s to earn 2025 Wilson Cup on home court

Ottawa, Ont. (via Ottawa Gee-Gees) - The Ottawa Gee-Gees men's basketball team was partying like it was 1993 on Saturday night at Montpetit Hall. It had been 32 years since the Gee-Gees hoisted the Wilson Cup for the first time ever in front of their home crowd in the Nation's Capital. The win marks Ottawa's fourth overall Wilson Cup win and second in three seasons after previously winning in 2023.

In a sold-out thriller, Ottawa defeated familiar foes Queen's 95-87. The Gaels started the game red hot, outscoring Ottawa 28-15 in the first frame. The Gee-Gees cut into the lead in the second, but the Gaels still held the momentum and seven-point lead at the halftime break.

In the second half, Ottawa took control, behind a monster performance from Justin Ndjock-Tadjore, who finished with a game-high 29 points to go along with six rebounds and the game's Most Valuable Player honours. The teams traded blows, but ultimately the Gee-Gees pulled away in the fourth to secure the win.

For the Gaels, stars Ollie Engan (28 points / 6 rebounds) and Luka Syllas (24 points / 10) logged outstanding efforts throughout the night, both rarely leaving the floor with 35 minutes played apiece.

"It's really special," said Ndjock-Tadjore. "Winning this with the guys you've been grinding with the whole season is an amazing feeling, but we're not satisfied yet, we're still aiming for the national title."

Both teams will continue their season in Vancouver next week as the U SPORTS Final 8 is hosted at UBC from March 13-16.