TORONTO - A strong first quarter didn't provide enough momentum for the Mustangs men's basketball team as they fell to the Ryerson Rams by a score of 81-47 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Wednesday night.

Greg Morrow led the purple and white with 17 points, only two points behind the game's top scorer, Jordan Gauthier of the Rams who registered 19 points. Adika Peter-McNeilly led the game with 11 rebounds, playing a key role in the Rams strong defence in the latter half of the game.
 
A shot by guard Tom Filgiano put the Mustangs first on the scoresheet in the opening moments of the first quarter. However, a quick pace from the Rams allowed them to go on a 9-0 run including four points from senior Jahamal Jones.
 
The Mustangs were undeterred and able to act fast on missed shots by the Rams and grab 11 rebounds in the frame. The purple and white battled back from their early deficit and were able to take the lead within the last minute, taking a 15-14 lead into the second quarter.
 
Despite the tough defence by the Mustangs in the first quarter, the Rams took the first large lead of the game going on a 17-0 run early in the second. The early amount of Mustang fouls allowed the Rams to capitalize on outside shooing and long passes to complete baskets without fear of being fouled. The Rams would finish out the quarter with a 38-24 lead.  
 
Although the Mustangs tightened up their defence in the second half, decreasing Ryerson's shooting percentage from 58.6 percent in the first half to 48.5 percent in the second, the Rams outscored the Mustangs 24-16 in the third quarter and 19-7 in the fourth to walk away with an 81-47 win.
 
The Mustangs will return to Toronto on Saturday night to take on the Toronto Varsity Blues. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. and can be watched live at OUA.tv.