KINGSTON, Ont. (Feb. 28, 2024) - Queen's Men's Basketball advanced to the OUA Wilson Cup Championship with a 95-90 double overtime thriller over the Toronto Varsity Blues Wednesday night in front of a packed stands at the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC). 

It was a back and forth game throughout regulation, with neither team holding a lead bigger than seven points at any time. The Varsity Blues had a chance to win at the end of regulation at the free throw line, but the loud ARC crowd stepped up and helped force a miss, sending the game to overtime.

"That was probably one of the best games in terms of the game," Queen's Men's Basketball Head Coach Steph Barrie said. "Two teams did not want to lose, kept finding ways to not lose. Combine that with the crowd, the unbelievable crowd, that was a special game for our players to play in. We never lost any belief at any point in the game. Kudos to our guys for just staying in the moment long enough to win."

After the first overtime period solved nothing, the Gaels went on a strong run to open double overtime, opening up a six-point lead and holding on for the massive five-point win.

Luka Syllas (Kingston, Ont.) had a monster performance for the Gaels, pouring in 39 points while adding seven assists and six rebounds. Syllas was a leading force for the Gaels throughout all four quarters and two overtime periods. Syllas said after the game it was a total team effort.

"I don't think it was just an individual performance, as a team we really stepped up," Syllas said. "We followed our scout pretty well. We played really hard defensively. At the end we played clean, which really helped, because a lot of guys were in foul trouble. In the fourth quarter, overtime, that's when I really try to step up.
 
"Everyone really stepped up. Our bench was really active throughout the whole game. The energy we brought today was big. It wasn't just one person, it was the whole team."

Cam Bett (Staines-upon-Thames, UK) was also strong on offence, finishing with 21 points powered off 15 three-pointers, including three big momentum-swing threes in overtime.

"Felt the energy tonight, I don't know how many people were here tonight, felt like 2,000. As soon as I heard the first one go in, it feels good. It's a good confidence to have, but staying grounded is the biggest thing right now. We've got one more win to get."

For the guys, this is what they've worked for, for a long time. They've worked really hard for this opportunity. We're excited to play on Saturday, that will be the first Wilson Cup opportunity we've had here. We will do everything we can to get that done. - Queen's Men's Basketball Head Coach Steph Barrie on Saturday's Wilson Cup

Cole Syllas (Kingston, Ont.) also finished with strong numbers, recording a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

With the win, the Gaels will host the OUA Wilson Cup Championship Saturday at 3 p.m. at the ARC. Queen's will host the Brock Badgers, who won the other OUA semifinals matchup earlier Friday, 75-72.

"It's pretty incredible. Last time we were at the OUA finals two years ago, we were at Brock and we weren't able to get it done," Cole Syllas said post-game. "Hopefully with the home crowd and home energy, and the work we've put in over the last two, three, four years, we can get it done and get a trophy, get a banner, and continue the momentum into nationals."