“We really have two starting lineups, our second unit could start for most teams in the OUA,” said Louis Daoust.
Gee-Gee men’s basketball started their season hot on Oct. 23, besting the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks to the tune of 76-61. After a tightly contested first quarter, the Gee-Gees took charge of the game with strong defensive foundations and an electric offensive performance.
First Quarter
The Ridgebacks executed well early on, trading baskets with the Gee-Gees throughout the opening frame. Both squads put their offseason conditioning to the test early on making for a fast-paced, transition-heavy first quarter of action.
Though the Ridgebacks put together more organized offensive sets, ultimately outscoring the Gee-Gees 18-15 through the quarter, Ottawa was kept within striking distance thanks to an efficient start to the game from Louis Daoust. The fourth-year forward provided a solid paint-scoring option, while also spacing out the floor for his squad.
The veteran credited his team’s depth when asked about their electric offensive outing, noting that “we really have two starting lineups, our second unit could start for most teams in the OUA”.
Second Quarter
The Gee-Gees really found their rhythm, with the new offense kicking into gear. A 22-point quarter was certainly the highlight, but what was most impressive was Ottawa’s defensive intensity. The switch from man to a zone-defence clamped the Ridgeback offence, leading to an 8-point lead at the end of the half.
It was the defensive intensity that generated great looks for the Gee-Gees on the other end. An offseason addition to the squad, Killian Yopa made play after play off of Ridgeback misses, running the floor and getting to the rim with ease. The fourth-year forward stated, “I’m always trying to bring energy to the team, anytime I get the chance I’m dunking it, it gets the fans turnt up and helps us go on runs.”
Second-year Issac Pierre-Louis did his fair share in getting the crowd hyped, connecting from three on several occasions to the delight of a packed crowd at Montpetit Hall. Off the bench, fan favourite Tesloch Luk’s energy was essential for the Gee-Gees. Later on in the quarter, the fourth-year guard fired up his teammates, as after a missed shot from Ottawa, Luk stole the ball from the rebounder and quickly laid it up.
The Gee-Gees hit the locker room at half-time with a 37-29 lead and all the momentum in the world.
Third Quarter
The break only made things worse for the Ridgebacks, as the Gee-Gees came out of the half swinging. The only looks Ontario Tech got consistently were tough three-pointers they couldn’t connect on. The Gee-Gee defense held them to a meager 10 points in the quarter, a ridiculous feat.
On offence, the Gee-Gees put on their best 2016 Golden State Warriors impression, outrunning their opponents and drilling three-pointers from all over. Off the bench, Guillaume St-Pierre put up an impeccable performance behind the three-point line. The rookie cashed in on three of six attempts from deep in his first ever OUA game.
Another key offseason addition in forward Yohann Sam dazzled fans with elite self-created offence. Though Sam struggled with his efficiency, growing pains were to be expected when adjusting to a new offensive scheme. Nevertheless, the fifth-year still showed his electric scoring ability throughout the game.
The Gee-Gees had amassed a lead of 61-39 heading into the final frame.
Fourth Quarter
Despite Ontario Tech showing signs of life on offence, Ottawa maintained control over the game. Yopa’s impact was felt as he made use of his 6-foot-7 frame to draw contact and get himself to the line on several occasions.
The Gee-Gees took advantage of physical mismatches throughout the quarter. Notably, the arrival of second-year Chris-Evrard Malonga gave Ottawa an option in the post that Ontario Tech struggled to cover. The 6-foot-9 centre dominated the paint, grabbing board after board and finishing with ease over smaller defenders.
The blowout provided an exciting opportunity to see nearly the entire Gee-Gees squad in action, as head coach James Derouin rotated through his lineup. Derouin praised his team’s performance, highlighting their “run with defence, attacking in transition, and taking advantage of extra opportunities.”
He did, however, mention the importance of not letting up with a large lead: “I don’t think we played well with the lead, we took some tough shots and were undisciplined…Ontario Tech plays hard, they won’t just go away, it’s something we’ll have to work on.”
The game concluded with a score of 76-61 for the Gee-Gees.
Looking Ahead
The Gee-Gees showed they could play strong, physical defence against a tough opponent, a crucial element for any team looking to make a push in the OUA. This, paired with an offense that looks primed to be the dominant unit in the league, suggests this team is ready for a deep playoff push come March.
Ottawa is now 3 and 1 to begin their season, claiming second place in the OUA East. They will look to replicate their successes in this game throughout the season. Good luck Gee-Gees!
