LONDON, ON -
Western was back at home this weekend taking on the Guelph Gryphons. Forward Matteo Zagar was back in the lineup this week after missing the contests against the Algoma Thunderbirds.
The Mustangs got out and shot well in the first quarter, going 12-18 from the field and 3-3 from beyond the arc. Guelph kept up with them, also shooting a high percentage in the first quarter. Noah Otshudi got off to a hot start, going 4-7 from the field for 11 points in the first quarter, as Western led 28-26.
Western pushed the pace in the second quarter, running the floor and moving the ball well. They quickly built a 20-point lead. Otshudi continued the hot hand, going into the half with 21 points. Lucas Sheets and Zagar also contributed 10 and 7 points respectively. Western led at the half 60-42.
The Mustangs continued to extend their lead and push the Gryphons to play at their pace. They extended their lead to as much as 27-points. Eleven Mustangs got on the scoresheet, yet again showing off the teams' depth and all around ability to get contributions. They led heading into the final quarter 86-59.
Otshudi finished the night with 33 points on 11-19 shooting and 4-6 from beyond the arc. This was his second 30-point performance in three games. Western shone offensively throughout the game, shooting 58% from the field and 47% from beyond the three-point line, closing out the game 103-74.
"I trust the work I put in and just fought within the offense. You know, our team, we're all a really tight-unit. We all know each others' game well and I just trusted them tonight and we got the dub", said Otshudi.
Imran Armstrong was also proud of the teams' ball movement. "We moved the ball well and got out in transition today, so I feel like that helped us a lot," said Armstrong. He finished the night with a team-high 10 assists.
Moving forward, Otshudi wants the team to continue to make defensive improvements. "We just got to just play better, defensively, and get better on the offensive glass. We were a little lazy today, but we'll bring better habits tomorrow and get ready for the playoffs", said Otshudi.
They are back in action at Alumni Hall against the York Lions on Saturday, January 18th at 8PM EST. Tune in on OUA.tv.
KEY STATS
G | Noah Otshudi - 33 PTS (11-19 FG, 4-6 3PT), 2 REBS, 5 ASTS
F | Lucas Sheets - 12 PTS (4-6 FG, 2-4 3PT), 5 REBS, 2 BLKS
F | Hunter Thompson - 12 PTS (6-8 FG), 5 REBS
G | Imran Armstrong - 6 PTS, 10 ASTS, 1 REB
