The Brock Badgers men’s basketball team showcased their prowess on Friday, Jan. 12 as they secured a commanding 77-60 victory over the Algoma Thunderbirds at Bob Davis Gymnasium, marking a return to a .500 winning percentage.
Jevon Brown spearheaded the Badgers’ offensive onslaught with an impressive 14 points, being one of four players who reached double digits. Thierry Tshibola, a first-year guard, showcased his potential with 13 points and a near-double-double performance, falling just one rebound short. Marlon Lestin and Andrew McKenna contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The Badgers’ bench played a pivotal role, outscoring the Thunderbirds 21-11, and demonstrating the team’s depth and versatility.
While both teams kept the early proceedings tight, the Badgers shifted gears in the first quarter, employing a suffocating full-court press. This defensive strategy paid dividends, forcing turnovers and allowing Brock to double up Algoma 16-8. The Badgers entered the second quarter with a comfortable 25-12 lead.
Maintaining their momentum, Brock continued their attacking style, extending their lead to 23 points. However, Algoma mounted a late surge, narrowing the gap to 16 by halftime. The Thunderbirds’ three-point shooting trimmed the deficit further in the third quarter, but Brock responded. A late push, highlighted by key plays from Davante Hackett and a massive three-pointer from Jevon Brown, solidified a 63-44 lead.
In the final quarter, the Badgers held firm, maintaining a double-digit margin throughout. Brown’s defensive play sealed the deal, culminating in a steal and a thunderous two-handed slam, capping off the second victory of the new year.
The Badgers’ well-rounded performance bodes well for the team’s aspirations as they look to build on this success in upcoming matchups.
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Saturday’s game between the Brock Badgers and the Guelph Gryphons was much closer, with the Badgers emerging victorious in a nail-biting 92-91 contest on the road.
The win propelled the Badgers above a .500 winning percentage with a 7-6 record.
A collective team effort fueled the Badgers’ success, with five players scoring in double digits. Michael Okeke led the charge with 19 points off the bench, supported by contributions from Davante Hackett (18 points), Jevon Brown (12 points), and Andrew McKenna and Jordan Tchuente, who each added 10 points.
The first quarter unfolded as a closely contested battle, with both teams displaying high-paced action. Freshman guards McKenna and Hackett showcased their three-point shooting, but Guelph held a narrow 25-23 lead heading into the second quarter.
Guelph extended their lead in the second quarter, shooting at an impressive 62.5 per cent from the field. Despite a spirited effort from Brown and Okeke off the bench, the Gryphons maintained a 55-44 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter proved frustrating for the Badgers as they struggled to close the gap. Multiple attempts to narrow the deficit were stopped by Guelph’s defence, and the Gryphons entered the final quarter with a 72-62 lead.
The Badgers rallied in the fourth quarter, deploying a full-court press that resulted in turnovers and a remarkable comeback. The final minutes saw many lead changes and ties, with Jevon Brown’s clutch three-pointer putting the Badgers ahead with one second left.
Guelph’s final second effort fell short as the Badgers ultimately secured a 92-91 win.
The thrilling win sets the stage for the Badgers’ upcoming matchup against the York Lions, as they aim to maintain their momentum into next week.
For more information on the Brock men’s basketball team, visit gobadgers.ca.
