Box Score LONDON, Ont. — It has been a tough season for the Western Mustangs men’s basketball team, but throughout they have remained hopeful and continued to play hard every game. In search of a win, the Mustangs hosted the versatile Guelph Gryphons at Alumni Hall this afternoon.

It was a close game and both teams displayed tremendous hustle resulting in an entertaining match. After four quarters of hard work, the Mustangs earned the nail-biting victory over the Gryphons, winning 71-68.

Both teams struggled to get anything going in the first few minutes of the game. Tough defensive pressure on both ends led to a number of forced errors. Eventually, Western found their offensive rhythm and all the starters began to make their shots. Quinn Henderson stepped up his game in the first-quarter scoring seven points, including a great three-pointer off of the assist from Jermaine Bernard. The first-quarter ended with the score 17-12 in favour of the Mustangs.

In the second-quarter, the Mustangs gained some scoring from their fresh legs off the bench to pull ahead even further. Western played great from the block, fighting hard for rebounds to maintain possession of the ball. Charlie Drouin battled on the boards and was able to create offensive opportunities from his tough play. Down significantly in the match, the Gryphons began to execute a successful offense and their key players began to make shots in an attempt to respond to the Mustangs effort. At the end of first half, the Mustangs were up 31-25.

The third-quarter started off with both teams moving well up and down the court. A great three-pointer from Guelph’s Michel Clark early on in the quarter was quickly answered by Western’s Bernard to keep the score close. Peter Scholtes established a strong presence in the third-quarter, particularly at the post where he took advantage of his shorter opponents.

Successful play execution and movement away from the ball tired the Guelph defense. In an attempt to capitalize, Henderson began to drive through the lane with authority and finish with finesse off the glass. At the end of the third, the Mustangs still held on to a slim 53-50 lead with one quarter remaining.

A pattern throughout the Mustangs' season has been their play in the critical fourth-quarter. In the past, the Mustangs have fallen short in many games because of an unsuccessful final stretch. In an attempt to reverse this, they played with high intensity and did not let the Gryphons come back into the game. Henderson and Ryan Higgins continued to make shots while the defensive presence of Scholtes prevented Guelph’s ability to execute. With 25 seconds to go, the game was tied 68-68. In the dying seconds of the game, Henderson scored a spectacular three-pointer at the buzzer to secure the 71-68 win for the Mustangs.

This was a much-needed win for Coach Campbell and the team. Next up for the Mustangs are the Windsor Lancers who will visit Alumni Hall on Wednesday, January 30. Tip off will be at 8:00 p.m.