The atmosphere at the ARC was explosive this past weekend when students, parents, and community celebrated the Men’s Basketball team as they secured a buzzer beater to win the Wilson Cup.
The Gaels faced off against the Brock Badgers for the OUA Championship on March 2. In what could have been a worst-case scenario, the Brock Badgers started the game on an 11-0 run, giving the Gaels a mountain to climb in order to win the Wilson Cup at home.
Although the Gaels closed the gap within the first quarter, Brock maintained control of the game, knocking down three-pointers and having little-to-no contest when grabbing rebounds.
Not allowing the Gaels to fall too far behind, Cole Syllas, Sci ’24, went two-for-two from the three-point range, with Brock leading by a score of 28-23 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, both teams were looking to limit their defensive mistakes. The Badgers’ ability to hold onto the ball, allowing only one turnover to the Gaels’ three, allowed the Badgers to grow their lead by four points, sending the Gaels back to the locker room down by a score of 47-38.
The Gaels mounted their comeback in the third quarter, with Kingston local Michael Kelvin II, ArtSci ’25, going two-for-three from the three-point range and two-for-two at the line.
Beginning to finally gather their rebounds, and getting some help from OUA Defensive Player of the Year Luka Syllas, ConEd ’24, and Kelvin, who picked up huge blocks throughout the quarter, the Gaels were within reach of a lead.
The fourth quarter was the most electric competition seen at the ARC in a long time. For almost the entirety of the quarter, the crowd was on their feet, with students lining the gym windows and trying to get a peek of the sold-out event by any means necessary.
Locking in when it mattered most, Isaac Krueger, ArtSci ’24, and Kelvin II stepped up, with Luka Syllas and defensive stable Fofo Adetogun, MIR ’25, both fouling out.
Both shooting 100 per cent and locking down any rebounds coming their way, Krueger and Kelvin were massive contributors in the Gaels efforts to tie the game with about four minutes remaining. This was the only time the Gaels caught up to their opponents throughout the whole game.
After some back-and-forth play rife with high-nerves and defensive stops, the Badgers missed their last possession, leaving just 13 seconds on the clock for the Gaels to make a play and secure the Wilson Cup.
Securing the rebound and charging down the court, Cameron Bett, ArtSci ’24, found Cole Syllas at halfcourt, slowly trotting down the court with his arms raised, calling for the ball.
Cole Syllas shook his first defender off of him. A quick switch by the Badgers tested Cole, but a quick pair of crossovers proved to be too much for both defenders. As Cole Syllas stepped back, he launched a three-pointer, sinking it. The entire crowd erupted and stormed the court to celebrate the three Kingston locals who carried the Gaels to success.
Post-game, Gaels Head Coach Steph Barrie commented on playing with a point deficit, and the impacts on his confidence throughout the game.
“It’s not like it was surprising to me what has happened, because like, literally, that’s our DNA,” he said.
Kelvin, who played an irreplaceable role on both defensive and offensive sides of the court, reflected on influencing future generations of Junior Gaels, a program he used to be a part of.
“A lot of them asked me how they can get better, and I feel like that was me when I was younger,” he said, “It’s inspiring, and I couldn’t be happier to talk to the next generation and tell them, ‘put in the work, that’ll pay off.’”
Cole Syllas shared what it meant to achieve this lifelong goal alongside his brother, Luka. He noted the privilege it was being able to play with his best friend.
“Halfway through the season, me and my brother had a talk and kind of said that this was likely the last time we’re going to be playing basketball together. We got three more games at nationals, and that’s gonna be it.”
“Over 20 years, we’ve been on [the court at] the same time, more often than not. It’s pretty magical, you know, when we have the ball, we know what the other ones doing, and we’re able to move off each other. It’s the best thing I’m able to play with him for so long,” he said.
The Gaels will travel to Quebec City, where they’ve locked down the number two seed and are set to play the University of Winnipeg Wesmen on March 8.
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