In the first of two games of the weekend, the Brock men’s basketball team secured a hard-fought victory against the No. 4 ranked Queen’s Gaels, prevailing with a final score of 76-72. The Bob Davis Gymnasium witnessed an intense clash, marking the Badgers’ third consecutive matchup against a nationally ranked opponent.
The Badgers’ offensive prowess was on full display, with four players finishing in double digits. Senior guard Jevon Brown led the charge with 16 points, showcasing his scoring ability while contributing four rebounds and four assists. Jordan Tchuente added 13 points, Kevaughn Ellis contributed 12 and Isaiah Bujdoso rounded out the quartet with 11 points.
The opening quarter set the tone for the Badgers’ dominance, as Tchuente and Brown orchestrated impressive plays for interior baskets. The relentless team defence of Brock posed significant challenges for Queens, resulting in a first-quarter lead of 21-12.
Maintaining the momentum in the second quarter, the Badgers displayed a fast-paced style of play. Freshman guard Anthony Heyes got the crowd on their feet with two three-pointers, helping Brock to a comfortable 44-33 lead at halftime.
However, Queen’s was not to be underestimated, staging a comeback in the third quarter. The Gaels chipped away at the Badgers’ lead, closing the gap to 60-52 by the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter witnessed a seesaw battle, with Queen’s intensifying their efforts to erase the Badgers’ lead. In a crucial moment, Jordan Nelson sank a three-pointer to shift the momentum back in favour of Brock. The Badgers demonstrated composure in the closing minutes, securing the win through clutch free-throw shooting by freshman forward Andrew Mckenna.
The battle’s statistics reflected the closely contested nature of the game. Queens’ Luka Syllas led his team with 21 points, while Michael Kelvin and Isaac Krueger contributed 16 and 12 points respectively. Despite their efforts, the Gaels fell short as the Badgers showcased their resilience.
The win against the No. 4 ranked Queen’s Gaels adds another feather to the cap of the Brock Badgers, solidifying their standing as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive landscape of Canadian university basketball. As they continue to navigate a challenging schedule, the Badgers aim to build on this momentum and further assert their dominance in the league.
For more information on the Brock men’s basketball team, please visit gobadgers.ca.