Box Score TORONTO, Ont.- The Windsor Lancers men's basketball team rebounded from an upset loss the night before to tally an 81-72 victory over the York Lions on Saturday night.
Josh Collins had a team-high 17 points and added four rebounds, while
Lien Phillip picked up 16 points and five boards for the Lancers. David Tyndale recorded a game-high 34 points in a losing cause for the Lions.
Both teams opened the first quarter with tight man-to-man defence making it hard for the opposition to create any easy scoring opportunities. However, a couple of mental lapses by the Lions on the defensive end allowed Windsor guard Collins (Toronto, Ont.) to nail two wide open three pointers which proved to be the difference at the end of one quarter. The Lancers took a 19-13 lead into the second stanza.
The second quarter began with Lion's point guard Tyndale being more aggressive, as he continually attacked the rim. He was rewarded with a few layup opportunities as a result, and the Lions managed to keep it close against the fifth ranked Lancers early in the quarter. Some increased defensive pressure by the Lancers out of a timeout allowed them to extend their lead to 31-19 at the five-minute mark. Both teams would trade baskets the rest of the quarter, and the Windsor Lancers took a 38-28 lead into the break.
The Lions increased defensive pressure to start the third quarter forced Windsor into some tough shots, and as a result they were able to take advantage on the offensive end. The team collectively made a solid effort to drive to the rim, and a pretty pass from David Tyndale gave forward Nick Tufegdzich (Tecumseh, Ont.) an open lane for an easy dunk. The crowd was fired up as the Lions cut the lead to just five at the midway point of the third quarter proving they would not go away quietly. The rest of the frame saw both teams play solid defence, and the Lancers headed into the final quarter nursing an eight point lead.
Windsor entered the fourth quarter with a renewed sense of urgency as they frustrated the Lions on the offensive end extending their lead to 13. However, Lions' first-year forward Daniel Tulloch (Mississauga, Ont.) gave York some life with a huge put back jam at the seven minute mark, followed by another made bucket to cut the Lancer lead to just four with six minutes to play. Tyndale would not be denied, and York's relentless effort in the final half of the fourth quarter saw them climb within three points of the Lancers with three minutes to play. Unfortunately, it was Windsor's experience that allowed them to make the plays needed down the stretch to seal the 81-72 victory.
The Lancers will return to the St. Denis Centre next Friday and Saturday to host the Ryerson Rams and Toronto Varsity Blues. Tip-off for both games will be 8:00 p.m.
With files from York Lions Athletics
