QUEBEC CITY, Que. (March 10, 2024) - Queen's Men's Basketball lost to the host Laval Rouge et Or 77-71 in the U SPORTS Men's Final 8 Basketball Championship Sunday night in Quebec City, Que.The Gaels finished the tournament as U SPORTS Men's Basketball silver medalists, the best finish in program history.

"The disappointment is at the forefront right now and I'm sure we'll have a lot of time in the next little bit to look at the historical perspective and all the pride and will rise to the forefront," said Queen's Men's Basketball Head Coach Steph Barrie after the game.

The Gaels weathered a strong start from Laval, with the Rouge et Or leading by as many as 13 in the first quarter, to take a four-point lead into half time. Laval would come back in the third quarter and take a one-point lead into the fourth before holding on for the win.

Luka Syllas (Kingston, Ont.) led the Gaels offensively, pouring in 23 points in the championship game. Cole Syllas (Kingston, Ont.) was named Queen's Player of the Game after recording a double double, finishing with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Cole Syllas was named a tournament All-Star after the game.

Aaron Tennant (London, Ont.) also finished in double digits in scoring for Queen's, pouring in 16 points while adding nine rebounds.

The silver medal earned Sunday is the first national medal captured by the Gaels in program history.