Box Score Friday night, Western turned out against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks to continue their stretch of road games.
The Mustangs came out hustling on defense, forcing the Ridgebacks to play at a pace they were uncomfortable with. Offensively, the Mustangs continued to light up the court, shooting 58% from the field, and 50% from 3PT.
The Mustangs offense was based on sharing the rock, as they had 14 assists at the end of the half. Mikyle Malabuyoc and Imran Armstrong led the Mustangs with 7 and 4 assists.
The second quarter was led by Matteo Zagar, who put in work in the low post with a variety of shakes, shimmies and spins. At the half he went 7-8 from the field for 15 points and 6 rebounds. The Mustangs went into the break leading 48-38.
The third quarter saw the game go back and forth but the Mustangs continued to retain their lead. Malabuyoc and Zagar continued to lead the Mustangs. Both finished the night with double-doubles, Malabuyoc with 12 points and 10 assists, and Zagar with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Western went into the fourth quarter with a 17-point lead, 68-51.
The fourth quarter saw the Ridgebacks stage a comeback, led by Zubair Seyed who finished the night with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Rookie forward Lucas Sheets showed his shooting prowess, finishing with 15 points on 6-9 shooting and 3-4 3PT. Western closed out the game winning 85-75 to log their first win of the season.
KEY STATS
F | Matteo Zagar - 21 PTS (9-12 FG), 12 REBS, 5 STLS, 2 ASTS
G | Mikyle Malabuyoc - 15 PTS (6-14 FG), 10 ASTS, 2 REBS, 2 STLS
F | Milan John - 13 PTS, 3 REBS, 2 STLS
F | Lucas Sheets - 15 PTS (6-9 FG, 3-4 3PT)
G | Noah Otshudi - 12 PTS, 2 ASTS
The Mustangs take on the Queen's Gaels on Saturday, November 2nd at 8pm EST. Tune in on OUA.tv.
