Boxscore
Kingston, Ont. (November 29, 2008) -
Mitch Leger of Kingston, Ont., scored 19 points and recorded 17 rebounds lifting the Gaels to a 61-59 upset win over the No. 5 Windsor Lancers on Saturday.
Leger's 17 rebounds were a part of a strong defensive performance by the Gaels who tallied a team total of 50 rebounds and six steals.
"To come out with a victory against a top team like this, it can't be done by just one person,” said Leger, a third year forward for Queen's. “You need to have an entire team effort and that's exactly what happened tonight."
Windsor would start out game on top opening the first quarter with a two point 11-9 lead over the Gaels, Queen's would rally for 19 in the second frame grabbing the momentum after a last second three-point shot from
Baris Ondul of Istanbul, Turkey to take a 28-27 lead into the half.
The second half saw both teams exchange the lead but Queen's would turn to their defence to edge Windsor over the final two frames.
With the game coming to a close the Gaels and Lancers tied with six seconds left and the ball to be inbounded at half by Queen's.
After both teams took a time out, the Gaels Guard
Dan Bannister of Newmarket, Ont. would feed the ball to Leger. Leger would hit the pull up jumper and give the Gaels the two point lead and the eventual win.
Scott Stinson of North Bay, Ont., had his best game as a Gael pulling down eight rebounds and collected two steals. The 6-7 forward recently turned to basketball after playing with the Queen's football team this fall.
Windsor's top scorer Greg Surmacz of Peterborough, Ont. would finish with 21 points and was one of three Lancers to record more 10 points or more. Surmacz is currently the OUA's third best scorer.
Queen's heads into the exam break beaming with confidence after edging the No. 5 Lancers. Their record improves to 3-5 which places them alone in fifth place, just four points behind Ryerson. The Gaels return to the court on January 7th when they host the Royal Military College at Bartlett Gymnasium. For advance tickets call 613-533-2500.
NOTE: The basketball win over Windsor on Saturday was the second time this weekend where a Gaels squad defeated a nationally ranked team. On Friday, Queen's men's hockey edged No. 2 ranked Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières 2-1 in overtime.
