Box Score TORONTO, Ont. – The men's basketball team fell to the Ryerson University Rams 87-82 on Saturday afternoon at Coca-Cola Court. The loss will put an end to the Mustangs' 7-game win-streak and drop their prominent record down to 11-3 while the Rams push theirs to 7-5.
 
In spite of the predicted outcome, the Ryerson Rams led the first quarter in offense and kicked off what was to be a competitive game. The Mustangs trailed consistently by 4-6 points with the second quarter opening up 20-16 for the Rams. Forward Liam O'Leary-Orange proved to be a force when paired with guard Jayden Frederick – the two players demonstrated a cohesion that allowed not only for points on the board, but a confidence on the court that pushed Ryerson ahead of the 'Stangs. Rams forward Tanor Ngom pocketed a smooth dunk but received a technical foul for taunting just after. Regardless, the Rams rode their high 54-31 into the second half of the match, posing a very real threat to the Mustangs' potential 8th consecutive win.
 
A pair of threes from Eriq Jenkins and Omar Shiddo opened up the third quarter to the Mustangs fighting to get themselves back into the match. The Rams' 23-point lead began its slow decline, and with 5 minutes left in the quarter, Western had narrowed the margin to 13 points. Finally falling into their rhythm, Western began to execute plays and passes that allowed them to find space in between the Rams. With less than 60 seconds remaining, the Rams led 71-62 to make for an exciting fourth quarter.
 
Rams guard Tevaun Kokko hosted a competitive fourth quarter in terms of both offense and defense. While Nikola Farkic managed to sink several baskets, it did little to bring the Purple and White closer to victory. Ryerson maintained a steady lead as they looked to let the clock run out. With three and a half minutes left on the clock, tensions were high as the Rams led by 7. With 90 seconds left, Tanor Ngom hit his 22^nd rebound of the match, setting a new Ryerson record and bringing the Rams to 86 with the Mustangs sitting just shy at 82. Jayden Frederick would sink one more foul shot before the final buzzer.
 
The men's basketball team will be returning to the court on Wednesday, January 15^th, where they'll face off against the Brock Badgers in St. Catherine's, Ontario. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 P.M EST.