LONDON, ON - In their first game of 2024 and the initial return to the home court since November 11, 2023, the Western Mustangs clashed against the Laurier Golden Hawks in an intense matchup.
The Mustangs began the game emphasizing a solid offensive effort. It was a collective effort between the Mustangs on the board, with the score quickly advancing to 12-03 in favour of the home side in the game's opening minutes.
The game remained physical throughout, with the Mustangs enforcing tight defense in the paint. Western's defensive efforts held Laurier to their first score since the opening minutes toward the end of the quarter, heading into the second with an 18-5 lead for the Mustangs.
"We came out with really good energy and gave ourselves opportunities early," said Mustangs' Head Coach, Nate McKibbon.
Laurier displayed more vigorous defensive play during the second, closing the gap on the Mustangs' lead. Western, however, continued to utilize space effectively and make consistent defensive stops. Despite the Mustangs maintaining their lead entering the quarter, the Golden Hawks began to fight back harder, narrowing the gap to a narrow lead of 23-22 for the Mustangs by halftime.
"I think [Laurier] started to figure out what we were doing defensively a little bit," McKibbon said, "they started to make some shots, and we got a little sloppy in some of our coverage."
The Golden Hawks opened the third quarter scoring, claiming the lead for the first time in the game. Despite trailing for most of the quarter, the Mustangs continued their tenacity. Laurier's relentless pressure exhausted the Mustangs, but timely plays from Paris Alexander kept the Mustangs competitive.
"I think there was a dip in the second quarter, and it's hard to come back from that, but once we started playing as a team, that's when we started getting baskets," said Alexander.
Back-to-back scoring plays from Alexander propelled the Mustangs into the lead with just over 2 minutes remaining. The quarter ended with a narrow 43-42 lead for the Mustangs.
The final quarter continued to be a heavily contested battle, with both teams maintaining an exhaustive full-court defense. The game remained incredibly close, with the momentum shifting back and forth.
The lead switched multiple times, and both teams fought ferociously for every possession. The Mustangs forced constant outside shots, but Laurier ultimately emerged victorious, securing the win at 60-55.
Western return to close out the weekend at home with a game on Saturday, January 6 at 6pm against the Waterloo Warriors. Fans can purchase tickets to support the Mustangs at WesternMustangs.ca/tickets or watch live at OUA.tv.
