Queen's Men's Basketball returned to play after the winter break, taking on the Laurentian Voyagers at home. The Gaels nabbed their first victory of the new year 102-85.
"It's a six week break from our last game, so you just sort of attack it one day at a time," Head Coach Stephan Barrie said. "They were great for the last two weeks, so we felt confident. They worked really hard, and their focus was good and that's what you can control at the end of the day."
With the win, Queen's record on the season improves to 10-1 and they extend their winning streak to nine.
The Gaels' Luka Syllas (Concurrent Education) secured the first six points of the game, with two free throws and two layups.
"Someone with his athleticism and motor to play really fits the way we play. He's one of our leaders in all those capacities. He can be our best defender, best rebounder, and best scorer all at different times and he does that through out the game," Barrie remarked.
Not to be outdone, the Voyagers bagged the next 10, starting a back and forth the would characterize the rest of the match.
Laurentian led at the end of the first quarter and through the beginning of the second until the Gaels pulled ahead with a layup from Ollie Engen (Kinesiology).
The Gaels built up their lead with three back-to-back steals from Scott Jenkins (Concurrent Education), each resulting in Queen's points.
Heading into half time, the Gaels led the Voyagers 50-37 and amassed 21 turnovers
"We had a good first half in terms of turning them over. We had 21 turnovers at the half. That's probably a record for us. Our press was very effective, very active," Barrie commented.
While the Voyager tried to stage a comeback in the third quarter, the Gaels relentless offense swiftly shut them down.
Through the fourth, the Gaels continued their offensive attack and extended their lead cruising to a 102-84 victory.
In the win, Syllas led the Gaels in points with 25 and added 5 rebounds. Isaac Krueger (Arts) and Engan added 16 points each, and Lucas Ponting (Commerce) secured 15.
Jalen Sikkema (Media) led the team in rebounds with seven and also bagged 13 points.
"We're very deep and we feel like that's one of our biggest strengths and it also very conducive to the way we play. We won't be able to play the way we do and play seven guys, it would not be possible," Barrie remarked. "Our depth is critical and it's the only way we can do this."
The Gaels return to the ARC Saturday, Jan. 11, at 7:00pm, to take on the Nipissing Lakers. Tickets are free for students and available on the Queen's ticket website.
