Queen’s men’s basketball team started off their year right, winning both their home games last weekend. On Friday, the Gaels bested the York Lions 73-66 and then defeated the Laurentian Voyageurs 76-66 the following night.
Gaels’ rookie forward Mitch Leger scored a team-high 22 points in the game against York. Guard Baris Ondul, also a rookie, contributed 18 points.
Leger said that going into the game, the team focused on their defensive play.
“They have a centre [Jordan Foebel] who’s 6’11” and a guard who just came back who’s a former rookie of the year so we needed to focus on containing them,” he said.
Leger added that strong defence on the inside helped accomplish this. Foebel was held to only three points, all of which were scored on foul shots. Leger said the win was important to keep the Gaels competitive in their conference.
The Gaels continued their strong play the following night in their game against Laurentian. After trailing early in the game, Queen’s came back to lead 30-24 at the half. Once again, Leger led the team with 20 points. The first-year Kingston native is currently ranked 10th in the OUA in points per game with 16. Ondul added 18 points in the victory. The Gaels continued to demonstrate why they are the top-ranked free throw team in Canada, making 18 of 24 shots from the line.
“That was a game that we thought we should win,” Leger said. “It would be a waste of a win against York if we didn’t beat Laurentian.”
The Gaels have improved their season record to 7-3. They’re now tied for third with York. Leger said the team has been working hard to improve their fundamentals.
“We’re running everything well in games, like we do in practices,” he said.
The Gaels are in Toronto this weekend, playing the Ryerson Rams tonight and the University of Toronto Varsit Bluestomorrow.
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