Box Score LONDON, ON - In an electrifying season opener at Alumni Hall, the Western Mustangs faced off against the Windsor Lancers and secured the victory, up 85-81.
The game began as the Mustangs hosted the Lancers and took an early lead, with the score remaining tight throughout the quarter.
The score remained even in the first half of the quarter, with the Mustangs effectively communicating and creating opportunities by pulling defenders off their players.
However, the Lancers were swift in their defensive efforts, forcing the Mustangs to take outside shots as they maintained a tight perimeter on the key.
While Western fought hard to create openings, Windsor anticipated their plays and effectively shut them down. Despite the challenging opposition, the first quarter concluded with a tied score of 19-19.
In the second quarter, the Lancers responded with a series of three-pointers, taking the lead after the Mustangs' opening points.
The Mustangs showcased stronger defensive efforts this quarter, adjusting to the Lancers' relentless offensive plays.
Western worked hard on offense but struggled to move into the paint efficiently, resulting in numerous lost offensive rebounds.
However, they began to pick up the pace, adapting to the Lancer's strategy and playing a more efficient and competitive game.
The Mustangs' Imran Armstrong's play was intentional and aggressive, drawing fouls and making shots, which helped the Mustangs gain momentum.
"Communication is the most important thing - as long as we talk on the defensive end and rebound... we should be fine," said Armstrong.
With three minutes remaining in the first half, the Mustangs had built a slight lead, up 48-42, which they held onto until halftime.
Western returned in the second half with a more aggressive defensive approach, falling back quickly to defend against Windsor on the turnover.
Although the Lancers held an advantage in the number of offensive rebounds they'd pulled down, Western improved their communication and ball movement, contributing significantly to their offensive effort.
The Lancers took back the lead early in the quarter, going up 55-48. Still, the Mustangs responded with intense pressure on the ball handler and a consistent defensive strategy.
By the end of the third quarter, the Mustangs excelled at fighting for possession and grabbing rebounds. Their improved spatial awareness and communication paid off.
"This year we've really come together as a whole to just be together as we play, and just run the floor," said Mustang Noah Otshudi, "we excel the most in transition and I feel like that's been working really well so far."
With three minutes left, the Mustangs narrowly held onto their lead, up 59-57 to end the third.
Western demonstrated their determination throughout the fourth, pouring all their remaining energy into this decisive quarter.
The Lancers were determined to keep fighting as they continuously closed in on the ball handler, making the Mustangs work hard on every possession.
Western's zone defense was much more effective in keeping the Lancers out of the key. With five minutes remaining, the Mustangs continued to hold their lead as they sought to close out the opening game of the season with a win.
In the final minutes, the Lancers attempted to strike back, narrowing the gap to just six points with three minutes left.
The game's closing minutes were intense, with the Mustangs maintaining their narrow lead. As the buzzer sounded, the Mustangs secured their first victory of the season with a final score of 85-81.
Western will return on Friday, November 03, as they play the Algoma Thunderbirds in the first of two games this weekend at 6 p.m. at Alumni Hall - fans can purchase tickets at WesternMustangs.ca.
