The Brock Badgers men’s basketball team lost an intense home contest to the TMU Bold, 92-73, on Feb. 5 at the Bob Davis Gymnasium.
Michael Matas led the Badgers with 18 points, while Anthony Heyes contributed with 11 points and eight rebounds.
Heyes was the focal point of Brock’s offence in the first quarter, scoring eight points and recording four assists while shooting three-for-four from the field including two made three-pointers.
But the three ball was the Badgers’ kryptonite on the defensive end, as the Bold scored three-pointers on their opening four possessions to start the game and made a lucrative eight in the quarter.
As such, TMU held a 31-22 edge after the opening 10 minutes, which only grew in the second.
The Badgers were stale from beyond the arc in the second frame, shooting a whomping two-for-10 from deep while the Bold made three triples and seven field goals to extend their lead to 52-34 at halftime.
However, the Badgers were able to limit the Bold attack in the third quarter as Brock sought a dramatic home comeback.
Jalen Janes, Nathan Charles and Davanté Hackett each contributed with four points apiece in the third as the Badgers outscored the Bold 21-19 to cut the deficit to 12 midway through the frame.
But the inspirational rally was short-lived, as TMU’s Aaron Rhooms — who scored a game-high 43 points and 11 rebounds — added 15 points through his six-for-seven shooting in the fourth quarter as the Bold defeated the Badgers to split the season series one win apiece (the Badgers won 74-66 in Toronto on Jan. 12).
The Bold shot more efficiently than the Badgers, shooting 52.7 per cent (29-for-55) from the field while Brock shot 43.6 per cent (24-for-55). TMU also converted more three-pointers (16 to 13) and free throws (18 to 12) in their victory.
Next weekend, the Badgers (14-6) look to close their regular season on a high note with a trip to Toronto to face the Varsity Blues (7-13) on Feb. 14 before battling the York Lions (4-17) on Feb. 15. Both games tip off at 8 p.m.
For more information on the Brock Badgers men’s basketball team, visit gobadgers.ca.