Sam Reynolds / McGill Tribune

Last Thursday, the McGill Redmen and Bishop’s Gaiters’ basketball teams took to the court at Love Competition Hall in an important divisional matchup. Bishop’s University entered winless, with a 0-5 record so far this season, while McGill came into the game at 3-3, fighting to create some separation from UQAM and Laval in the competitive Quebec division. 

McGill entered the game favoured to win and did so just barely, notching their fourth win of the season in a thrilling 70-67 victory. Despite the successful outcome, the Redmen were unable to dictate the flow of the game, allowing the Gaiters to take control at several junctures. However, McGill’s periodic sloppy play and Bishop’s inspired attempt to collect their first win of the season made for an exciting showdown that provided entertainment for the crowd at Love Competition Hall.

The matchup got off to a fast-paced start and the raw athleticism of both teams was apparent. Bishop’s controlled the tempo from the start, displaying an emotional effort, while the Redmen had a sluggish beginning. However, near the conclusion of the first quarter, Nicholas Langley of the McGill Redmen delivered an emphatic slam-dunk that tipped the score in McGill’s favour and his teammates responded by increasing the pace. Strong play in the second quarter from Nicholas Langley, Karim Sy-Morissette, and Vincent Dufort led McGill to a 38-31 halftime lead, despite a potent offensive performance from Gaiters forward Tim Hunter, who finished with a game-high 19 points. 

In contrast with the first half, the second half consisted of hard-nosed defence and fewer high-octane offensive plays in transition. The animosity between the two teams was obvious, with tempers boiling over as players were extremely physical on defence. This worked in McGill’s favour until the end of the third quarter when Bishop’s went on a run, scoring nine straight points, leaving the Gaiters with a one point lead at the conclusion of the third quarter.  

Head coach Dave DeAveiro motivated his players during the quarter break. “It was all about strategy and getting back to our style of basketball. To deny the opposition the paint, communicate better, and to trust one another on defence,” freshman point guard Ave Bross said. 

The Redmen responded to their coach and their play intensified in the fourth with McGill managing to hold the lead for the majority of the quarter. The game came down to the final possession for the Gaiters in which they had an opportunity to tie the game, down by three points with nine seconds left. However, McGill’s defence was unrelenting and shut the door on Bishop’s late flurry, giving the hometown fans something to cheer about as the clock ran out. 

Starting guard Vincent Dufort was pleased with the Redmen veterans’ ability to keep their team in the game. “Even though we were not at our best, [Nicholas] Langley and [Winn] Clark really picked up the slack for the rest of the guys and that is what is great about our team. We are a young group with some veterans who really lead by example. I think that dynamic has lead to our success this year.” 

The Redmen now head into their busiest stretch of the season, playing eight games in one month. Considering their recent strong play, the team has high hopes heading into the last part of a season that has had its ups and downs. They will need to bring their best effort in their next game on Jan. 21 against the undefeated and ninth-ranked Concordia Stingers.