Box Score

GUELPH, ON - The Mustangs almost managed to pull off a double-digit comeback on Wednesday night against the Guelph Gryphons in their second last game of the regular season. 

It was an intense game in Guelph for the Mustangs as they scored their first points two minutes into the game, halting the Gryphons' five-point opening run. 

 

There were numerous turnovers from both teams during the first quarter. Still, the Mustangs did not have the same luck converting these turnovers to points as Guelph was. 

The Gryphons came out strong and could capitalize off offensive opportunities more consistently.

Western managed to hold a pretty tight margin throughout the first ten minutes of the game, holding the Gryphons to a single-digit lead, ending the quarter down 28-22. 

The Mustangs began the second quarter strong, defensively. They were especially effective at holding the Gryphons out of the paint, forcing them to take many shots outside the key.  

Western came close to taking their first lead of the game multiple times in the opening minutes of this quarter. They did an excellent job of holding Guelph's lead within two possessions. 

The Mustangs were quick to fall back and set up on the defensive end, which contributed to the back-and-forth game with Western constantly bringing the match back to a tie. 

Unfortunately, they didn't manage to overtake the Gryphons. After a few unlucky possessions, the first half ended with Western down 52-45. 

The third quarter was where the Gryphons took off, with turnovers from Western resulting in Guelph scoring eight points in the first minute of play. 

Western didn't appear to be having too much luck crashing the boards on either end, contributing to the Gryphons running away with it in the second half of the game. 

Both teams kept up very intense play, moving quickly on both ends of the floor, leading to some rushed, inaccurate shooting.

The Mustangs weren't showing the same momentum as earlier in the game, and Guelph used their second chance opportunities to pull ahead, with the third quarter ending 82-65 for the Gryphons.

However, while Guelph dominated the third quarter, the Mustangs were on fire in the game's final quarter. 

Western was doing a much better job on the rebound and maintaining intensity, out-scoring Guelph 10-2 in the opening minutes of the fourth. 

Western was holding a strong, attacking defense, and they cut the lead back into single digits. 

A few quick baskets for the Mustangs in the final minutes of the quarter brought the Mustangs within striking distance within the last two minutes of the game. 

Although they worked hard to catch up, Western fell shy by eight points, heading into their final game of the regular season down 108-100. 

The Mustangs' top scorer of the night was Omar Shiddo, with 28 points.

The Mustangs will play their next game on Saturday, March 12, against Guelph, at Alumni Hall at 3pm. Fans can purchase tickets at www.westernmustangs.ca.