BOX SCORE SUDBURY, Ont. (February 8, 2013) – The Queen's Gaels men's basketball team (10-9) was in action Friday evening against the Laurentian Voyageurs (10-8) at the Ben F. Avery Gymnasium, in the first of a road trip taking the Gaels from Sudbury on Friday, to Toronto on Saturday to face the York Lions. The Gaels could not hold their first half lead, being blown out in the third, losing by a final score of 95-86. 

Bright spots for the Gaels were veteran guard James Asefa (Toronto) who scored a career best 26 points, and third-year forward Nikola Misljencevic (Ottawa) who also had a career high night with 24 points. This win gives Laurentian the edge for home court advantage over Queen's in the playoffs as the Gaels will need a win and two Voyageur losses to York in order to secure the home game.
 
Neither team had trouble finding their offensive games early, with the Gaels and Voyageurs exchanging points throughout the quarter. The Voyageurs were able to pull ahead late in the quarter to find themselves ahead 24-23 after one.
 
The second quarter Queen's was able to build an advantage on Laurentian, taking a 42-38 lead going into the break. The tricolour were lead by Asefa who had a dominating night, recording teams highs in three categories—points with 26, rebounds with 10, and assists with four. Misljencevic was also notable for the Gaels recording three steals and two assists to go with his career best 24 points.
 
Unfortunately for Queen's their second quarter momentum did not carry over, and three of Laurentian's starters were able to record over twenty points a piece, with many of them coming in the third. Guard's Manny Pasquale (Victoria), Alex Ratte (Ottawa), and Josh Budd (Timmins, Ont.) recorded 24, 22, and 21 points respectively for the Voyageurs. Laurentian outscored Queen's by a 32-19 difference in the third.
 
The Gaels found their legs again in the final frame and were able to put 25 points on the board. Laurentian was able to match Queen's scoring however and close out the game with the 95-86 victory—much in thanks to their strong third quarter.
 
The Gaels hope to build some momentum heading into their first round playoff bout with the Laurentian Voyageurs when the visit the York Lions on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 8pm at The Tait McKenzie Centre.