KINGSTON, Ont. (February 05, 2011) - On a day in which former Gael Marco W. Alessio was honoured, the Queen's Gaels fought hard for four quarters but ultimately could not pull off the upset as they fell to the Ryerson Rams by a 79-70 score.

The game was played in memory of Marco William Alessio, a former Gaels basketball player who was killed during a time of political upheaval while teaching in Madagascar. Prior to tip-off, Alessio's former teammate, actor Tom Cavanagh, gave a speech in honour of Alessio.

In addition to the memorial game, a scholarship has been established in Alessio's honour to commemorate academic and athletic excellence in the basketball program. Cavanagh presented this year's winner Tim Boyle of Belleville, Ont. with the award. Dan Bannister of Newmarket, Ont. won the first scholarship during the 2009-2010 season.

The Gaels came strong out of the gate and held a ten point lead midway through the first quarter. However, strong play from Jahmal Jones from Mississauga, Ont. brought Ryerson back into the game. At halftime the Rams held a 39-33 lead.

The Gaels kept pace with the Rams despite top scorer Dan Bannister getting into foul trouble early. Clutch shooting from Bernard Burgesson of Port Hawkesbury, N.S. and strong post play from Nikola Misljencevic of Ottawa kept the Gaels within reach.

The fourth quarter was the closest of all the periods as the teams matched one another with 22 points each. Despite Misljencevic fouling out of the game and with Bannister and Boyle each playing with four fouls, the Gaels got as close as four points but could not seal the gap because of clutch free throw shooting by the Rams.

Misljencevic and Boyle led the Gaels with 12 points apiece. Misljencevic also led the Gaels in rebounds with seven. Vancouver's Chris Barrett had a strong game at point guard with nine points, six assists, and three steals.

The Gaels will be off for a week as they await the York Lions who will come to the ARC's Main Gym on Friday February 5th. Tip-off is set for 8:00 pm.