KINGSTON, Ont. (November 29, 2019) - The Queen's Gaels (7-4) defeated Ontario Tech Ridgebacks (0-10) with a score of 97-71 on a Friday night on Junior Gaels Day in the ARC Main Gym.

GAME FLOW

In the opening frame, Cole Syllas and Rahsean Neil-Simpson of Ontario Tech both drained back-to-back threes. The Gaels stayed within dive points of the Ridgebacks throughout the middle of the quarter until Landon Brickenden sparked the Gaels offensive with a rebound that resulted in points. The first quarter closed out with Queens leading Ontario Tech 27-21.

The Gaels extended their advantage in the second quarter with good offensive ball movement and their continued stifling defensive play, allowing only 12 points. Connor Keefe secured an offensive rebound that resulted in Quinton Gray dropping three of 16 points on the night. At half, the Gaels held a commanding 46 to 33 lead.

The Ridgebacks jumped out to a quick 13 points to bring them within seven points of the Gaels. Queens responded to this with sharp three point shooting keeping the pressure on Ontario Tech.

The Gaels shot 5-18 from three-point land and scored 14 points off turnovers in the third quarter. Moving into the final frame, Queens lead the Ridgebacks 69-62.

Graddy Kanku started the fourth quarter after drawing a foul that resulted in two of his points in the game. The Gaels were led in the game by Cole Syllas with 31 points and by Quinton Gray with 12 rebounds. Queen's continued to put the pressure on the Ridgebacks to hold on for a 97-71 win.

FINAL SAY
Head coach Stephan Barrie said, "There were stretches throughout this game where we were really good and this was able to carry us to our victory " on what made the Gaels so successful tonight."


BY THE NUMBERS
31 - Cole Syllas dropped a team high of 31 points
45.2 - The Gaels went 45.2% percent shooting on the night
27 - Graddy Kanku lead Ontario Tech with 27 points


UP NEXT
The Gaels will return to action on Wednesday, January 11 to face the Algoma Thunderbirds at home in the ARC. Tip off is set for 8pm and the game can be streamed live on OUA.tv.