KINGSTON, Ont. (February 10, 2018) - The Queen's Gaels (11-10) couldn't upset the No.9 Ryerson Rams (15-6), in their final regular season home game of the year. The Gaels honoured their graduating senior players Sammy Ayisi and Mike Shoveller prior to tip-off.
 
GAME FLOW
Sammy Ayisi (Toronto) got the start for his final home game as a Gael, but it was the Rams who started hot with a 9-0 run to open the game. Tanner Graham (Kingston, Ont.) got a three-pointer to fall to put the Gaels on the board. Jaz Bains (Brampton, Ont.) got himself a triple to follow suit for the Gaels first six points. Tanner Graham was relentless in the post on both sides of the ball, getting a block, and nailing an and-one layup. Despite the slow start, the Gaels stayed in the game and only trailed 20-15 at the end of the first quarter.

Jesse Graham (Kingston, Ont.) opened the second quarter with a huge triple. He also found Mat Elcock (Waterdown, Ont.) on a tough pass for another three-pointer. Tanner Graham, once again, tenacious in the post, racked up back-to-back blocks on 7'2 Tanor Ngom of Ryerson. Both teams played excellent offensive games, making tough shots and moving the ball well. Bains was the floor general for the Gaels, initiating offence whenever he touched the ball. Despite the Gaels excellent second-quarter play, they still trailed the Rams entering halftime, 41-35.

Tanner Graham knocked down a long three-pointer to open the second half. The Gaels maintained their intensity into the second half, playing hard-ball in the paint, and tight defence. Ryerson began to pull ahead, after a technical foul and three-pointer which gave them a 10-point advantage. The third quarter turned into a shootout, with Ammanuel Diressa of Ryerson hitting everything from beyond the arc and Bains and Graham getting their shots to fall as well for the Gaels. Queen's would fall behind by 14 at the end of the third looking to make a charge in the final frame.

Mike Shoveller, who was honoured tonight as a graduating player, knocked down a three to open the final quarter. Quinton Gray (Richmond Hill, Ont.), hit a big-time triple, putting the game to within 10. Tanner Graham reeled in a tough offensive board and finished it off with a three-point play. He followed that play with a fast break dunk, putting the crowd on their feet. A technical foul, gave three free-throws to the Gaels to put them within six with three minutes remaining. The Rams were not rattled by this sudden run and kept scoring themselves. The Gaels got going late with a three by Graham and a layup by Bains, to put them within six with 30 seconds remaining. This margin would be too much for the Gaels to overcome and Ryerson would walk away with the win 86-78.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
22- Tanner Graham led the team in points with 22
9- Tanner Graham recorded nine blocks on the night
10- Harry Range controlled the boards for the Gaels with 10 rebounds on the night
 
UP NEXT
The Gaels are on the road against the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Feb 16th at 8 pm. Catch all the action on OUA.tv.