The Windsor Lancers men's basketball team battled hard in a two-game series against the Western Mustangs, securing a home victory on Wednesday before falling in a close road contest on Saturday.
WEDNESDAY STATS
Emanuel Otong led the charge with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Simeon Smith added 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Yashar Greaves-Saadat chipped in 14 points while dishing out 7 assists.
Luke Grace also shot 7-8 from the field for 17 points and 6 rebounds.
The Lancers shot 45.9% from the field and 46.2% from beyond the arc.
HOW IT HAPPENED WEDNESDAY
Western had a strong opening quarter, edging out Windsor 24-21 after the opening minutes. However, the Lancers responded with a dominant second frame, outscoring the Mustangs 28-12 to take a commanding 49-36 lead at halftime.
The Mustangs attempted a comeback in the third quarter, cutting into Windsor's lead with a 20-14 run, but the blue and gold held their ground in the fourth, securing a 83-77 victory at home.
SATURDAY STATS
Otong again led the Lancers with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Grace contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Smith went a perfect 3-3 from the free throw line and earned 13 points.
The men shot 70.4% from the free throw line and 35.0% from the floor.
HOW IT HAPPENED SATURDAY
The rematch in London was a tight contest from the opening tip, with teams tied at 26 after the first quarter. Western gained the upper hand in the second, outscoring Windsor 22-15 to take a 48-41 lead into halftime.
The Lancers showed resilience in the third, rallying to outscore Western 22-14 and reclaim the lead heading into the final quarter. However, the Mustangs took advantage of Windsor's cold shooting down the stretch, using a late push to secure an 81-77 victory.
UP NEXT
The Lancers take on Waterloo's cross-town rivals this week at the Toldo Lancer Centre. First, the blue and gold will take on the Laurier Golden Hawks on Wednesday, February 12 at 8:00pm. Then, on Saturday, February 15, the men will battle against the Waterloo Warriors at 6:00pm.