Improvement Not Translating to Wins Yet

Thursday @ McGill 

BU        18    13    15    20   -   66
MU       27    16    22    14   -   79

We knew this would be a tough game. McGill was coming off of a couple of weeks where they were not playing their best basketball. I was sure that was not going to last and they we would have to be up to the task. We knew we would have to weather the storm early and we did not do that as we got down 19-4 after about 6 minutes or so. However, we showed resilience and had cut the lead to 27-26 over the next 10 minutes. We have some stretches where we can play some very good basketball...just have to make those stretches last longer! Anyhow, we relented somewhat in the final few minutes of the 2nd quarter with some unforced turnovers and McGill capitalized building up a 12 point lead going into half time.

Rookie of the Yr Candidate Abdul Kamane

In the second half, we once again had some good moments, but never really did make a run at McGill with a threat to win. Too many turnovers and keeping them off our backboard was an issue all night. They are a premier offensive rebounding team and we struggled with the physicality of the game. In most games in our league the refs really let a lot go...not so much to our advantage just yet. Collectively, we are decently athletic and long, but most of guys could use another year or two in the weight room to compete physical in these types of games. Regardless, many positives and lots of teachable moments.

Abdul led us with 15 points & 5 rebounds. Nick had 12 points & 7 rebounds while Jona chipped in 8 points & 5 assists. Jona gets a lot of defensive attention these days without Pete Weston in the line-up. We hope to have Pete back in a couple of weeks which should help both Jona & our team. Big Jonah Fogg had some quality minutes off the bench with 6 points and 3 rebounds. He continues to get better each week.


Saturday vs. McGill 

BU        21     9    26     7   -   63
MU       18    14   22    22  -   76

Same point spread as Thursday, but a different game in that we were legitimately in a position where a win was possible later in the game. We still struggled with turnovers and rebounding, but were marginally better in those areas. However, they were still our undoing.

Freshmen wing, Owen Martel

After a decent first half, we had a strong 3rd quarter and executed very well on both ends of the court at times...especially offensively. We had built a 7 point lead, but McGill made some shots that would not allow us to extend that lead. We started the 4th with a 56-54 lead and it was a 1 point game with 4 minutes to go. However, throughout the 4th we missed some good looks on offence, but more importantly had 7 costly turnovers. McGill made the best of their chances in the final minutes and put the game away. Again, we played 35 minutes of pretty good basketball against a nationally ranked team, but we could not close them out for the win.

Abdul was strong once again scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. He is 9th in scoring (13.3 ppg) in our league & second in rebounding (7.4 rpg). He is the front runner for Rookie of the Year in our conference and will receive some serious consideration for Rookie of the Year in the CIS.  Dave added 17 points and 6 rebounds while Jona chipped in with 12 points. Freshmen Owen Martel had some very good minutes off the bench again knocking down a couple of key 3 point shots in the 2nd half along with a highlight reel follow up dunk that was just after the whistle.

Next up is our final Home & Home of the season with Concordia. We are getting into some must win situations and we could really use your support this Thursday at Concordia. We will have an alumni reception before the game. See the details below...hope you can make it!
Rod

Gaiter Basketball Alumni Reception – BU vs. Concordia

Bishop’s Men’s Gaiters Basketball has enjoyed a special relationship with its alumni over the years. The support given to the program is unique. Home games are special. This semester, we are looking to take that spirit on the road.

On Thursday February 4, our Lennoxville alumni will be traveling with the team to Concordia. The group will meet at the Olde Orchard Pub (5563 Monkland, NDG, at 6:00 PM). 

From there we will make our way to support the Gaiters as they play the Stingers at 8:00 PM. Our Montreal and Ottawa alumni are invited to join us to renew old friendships.

For more information, please contact:

Keith Kobelt       kobelt@videotron.ca

Rod Gilpin            rgilpin@ubishops.ca

Rob Burns             rburns@ubishops.ca