The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s basketball team finished their week with a hard-fought 85-68 win over the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday (Nov 9) nigh in Guelph, Ont.
Both teams struggled offensively in the opening half, with the Blues defence holding the Gryphons to just seven total points in the first quarter. However, Toronto opened up in the second half, outscoring Guelph 58-39 through the final two quarters. The Blues received an incredible effort from their bench, contributing a whopping 23 points in comparison to the Gryphons two bench points. Additionally, the Blues scored 17 points off second-chance opportunities, while the Gryphons scoring just three.
Toronto was led by fifth-year guard Inaki Alvarez, who notched a game-high 22 points, while adding five assists, two boards, one block and one steal. Fourth-year wing Quarry Whyne also put up an impressive 19 points, with the majority coming during the Blues second half surge. Also playing a big role in the big Blues second half was third-year forward Nigel Hylton, recording 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting. A powerful presence in the paint, Hylton helped Toronto particularly on the offensive glass where U of T out-rebounded Guelph 13-4, opening up those second chance opportunities.
The Gryphons were led by Eric Armstrong, who registered 19 points and five boards, and Jack Tunstill, who scored 15 points with seven assists, respectively.
Up next, the Blues take on the Windsor Lancers on Wednesday, Nov 13, when they return to Goldring Centre Kimel Family Field House for a two-game home stretch. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m., and the game will be streamed online at OUA.TV with tickets available for purchase at varsityblues.ca/feature/tickets.
