LONDON, ON - The Mustangs worked hard right to the end, fighting into overtime, and honoring their graduating Seniors at Alumni Hall, defeating the Guelph Gryphons in the final regular season game.

It was a memorable game Saturday afternoon as the Mustangs' friends and family packed Alumni Hall to recognize graduating players' incredible accomplishments and efforts. 

Ashley Wheeler, Jessica Morris, and Skye Barbato all received their framed jerseys this afternoon in their final regular-season games wearing the purple and white. 

Barbato is in her second year of eligibility. Still, unfortunately, due to injury and her academic program, she won't be returning to the Mustangs. "I'm just surrounded by love, so I can't help but be happy. When I cried, it was happy tears, I would love to be playing, but I, unfortunately, can't. I'm just so fortunate to be part of this team," she said. 

Morris is a fifth-year eligible player who has been with the Mustangs for the past two seasons. "It feels amazing to get that win today and have that momentum going into the playoffs," she said on today's game.  

Wheeler has played in the OUA since 2015, moving from playing with the Gryphons to the Mustangs in 2020. "I think playing against them made it even more special, and getting to share that senior night with them." 

The Mustangs had strong defense from the jump, doing an excellent job of holding tight pressure on their player and causing rushed shots and turnovers. 

Not only was their defense strong, but offensively they were getting into the right places, making use of the open player, and creating space when passing the ball around. 

Both teams were all over each other and refused to give an inch of space. The first quarter ended with a close score of 16-22, with Guelph in the lead.

To begin the second quarter, the Mustangs seemed to have trouble making stops on the offensive end. Guelph was very hands-on, which led to them drawing offensive fouls against the Mustangs. 

The Gryphons had the Mustangs working hard for every point and made it difficult to have any open shots. 

Nevertheless, they maintained intensity, fuelled by the crowd. "It was great to have the families back and the support from some of the other teams on campus, just as a way to maintain or give a shot of energy going into a late-game like that," said Mustangs Head Coach Nate McKibbon. 

Despite trailing the entire quarter, the Mustangs managed to cut a Guelph 10-point lead down to 3 points to end the first half at 36-33. 

Despite trailing into the third quarter, Western could hold the game within reach. Guelph was aggressive both offensively and defensively, but so were the Mustangs, making the most of any open opportunity. 

Western did a great job of smothering their opponents on defense, making it difficult for them to run away with the game, which frustrated the Gryphons. 

The third quarter ended with a 5 point differential, with Guelph again with a slight lead, at 59-54. 

Western went into the last 10 of regulation on fire. Within a few minutes, they had managed to bring the game back to a tie and eventually took their first lead of the game. 

The Mustangs were much more in control of the game, doing a great job of crashing the boards and putting up some great shots, and they ended the fourth quarter with the game tied at 78 each. 

Overtime was fueled with high intensity from both teams and the crowd. The Mustangs made some incredible baskets, giving them an eight-point lead, their largest of the game. 

The crowd was erupting with every score and call going Western's way, and at the end of the overtime period, the Mustangs won with a final score of 91-83. 

The Mustangs' next game will be announced in the following days; check www.westernmustangs.ca for the schedule and updates.