Voyageurs can't keep pace with ravens

Date and Time :    23 February, 2013 — 20:00 pm

Game Recap:

OTTAWA, ON - The task was a daunting one; upset the number 1 team in the country to make the OUA Final Four.  Despite a strong team effort, led by last year’s CIS leading scorer, the Voyageurs could not keep up with the Ravens as they saw their season come to an end.

After opening with 5-2 lead, the Voyageurs were in a battle against the Ravens that saw the #1 team in the country find their stride.  While the Voyageurs played some of their best defence of the year, the Ravens hit some timely three-point shots.  The Voyageurs were anchored by Manny Pasquale (Victoria, BC) who had 15 points in the first half.  Despite their up-tempo defence, the Voyageurs found themselves trailing 48-35 at halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Voyageurs continued to push the tempo, scoring an early basket to eat into the lead.  The constant pressure on the defensive end, coupled with some timely shots on offence saw the Voyageurs get as close as 5 points, eventually ending the 3^rd quarter down 67-60.

The 4^th quarter saw the Ravens change up their game plan and start using the low post. Their size caused issues for the Voyageurs as they didn’t have an answer for Kevin Churchill down low.  With the Ravens dominating the paint, it opened up players on the perimeter which stretched the Voyageurs’ defence thin, allowing for open perimeter shots.  The Ravens used this inside-out play to finish the game with a 95-75 victory.

The Voyageurs were led by Pasquale who had a game high 33 points and Alex Ratte (Ottawa, ON) who knocked down 16.  The Ravens had 5 players in double figures and were led by Thomas Scrubb who had 22 points.  While the Voyageurs kept pace with the Ravens on the stat sheet, it was the presence in the paint that proved to be the main issue as the Ravens out-rebounded the Voyageurs 40-21.

This loss wrapped up the careers of Pasquale, Georges Serresse (Blezzard Valley, ON), Jamie Weldon (Sault Ste Marie, ON) and Stephen Williams (Brampton, ON).  Coach Shawn Swords will now use the summer to fill the voids left by the departing seniors and get the team ready for another run at the Wilson Cup.

To keep up to date on your Voyageurs, visit www.luvoyageurs.com for the latest news and information.

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Bryan Carruthers

Sports Information Coordinator