LONDON, ON - The Western Mustangs took on the defending national champion Carleton Ravens at Alumni Hall on Friday evening. 
 
After winning the jump, MacKeely Shantz led the way for the Mustangs, scoring 8 of the teams 11 points in the quarter. Carleton continued to find gritty ways to score, either forcing their way into the paint, or getting offensive rebounds and second chance points. Paris Alexander knocked down a 3 to cut the Ravens early lead to four at the end of the first quarter. 
 
The Ravens continued to find ways to score, while stifling Western's offense. The Mustangs were forced to play out of position, and weren't allowed to settle and run their offense consistently. At the end of the quarter, Carleton started pulling away, leading by 22 at the half, 43-21. 
 
To start the third quarter, the Mustangs brought the energy and got off to a 8-2 run. Defensively, they started to put some pressure back on to the Ravens, forcing shot clock violations and turnovers. 
 
Sam Vidivic, 2nd year wing, said, "We had defensive plans that we didn't execute, and that was the major change we made, which helped us get out on that run". 
 
Carleton kept their foot on the gas and continued to score from all angles, while the Mustangs struggled from the field, shooting 24% on 14-59 field goal attempts. The Mustangs were led by MacKeely Shantz, who finished off with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. 
 
Filling in for Head Coach Nate McKibbon, Assistant Coach Meg Wilson led the Mustangs, and although the game didn't go as planned, she enjoyed the opportunity, "Coaching at the university level is an amazing opportunity and we've been preparing all week", said Coach Wilson.
 
She added, "we played well for 30 minutes. We let down some of our defensive principles and on offense we weren't able to get into what we wanted. We learned a lot and they are a great team, no doubt about that, and we were with them for a large portion of the game."
 
The Ravens pulled away and maintained their lead, cruising to a 72-46 victory. 
 
The Mustangs will suit up again tonight against the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Fans can purchase tickets at WesternMustangs.ca/Tickets; entry is free for Western students with valid Student Cards.