It was another electric night inside Alumni Hall as Western improved to 3 and 0 on the season, defeating the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 83 to 73 in a game that showcased heart, chemistry, and determination from start to finish.

"Team chemistry is really important, especially with our group. We've got a big culture here, and it really shows." said Guard Imran Armstrong "We have some young guys and new players coming in, but also a strong core of returning ones. That balance helps us play connected, and I think it's showing on the court."
 
The opening quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find an early rhythm. Ontario Tech jumped out first, forcing Western to fight for every possession. But it was Milan John who got things going for the Mustangs, attacking the rim and converting tough layups through contact. Imran Armstrong orchestrated the early offense with steady playmaking, finding Lucas Sheets and Emmanuel Akot for key baskets to keep the Mustangs close.
 
Western's defense began to tighten late in the frame, with Tye Cotie bringing physicality under the rim and Isaiah Young providing steady ball movement to set up open looks. Akot's late three ignited the crowd and gave Western much-needed momentum heading into the second quarter, trailing only 18 to 14 after a slow start.
 
The second quarter saw Western settle into their identity: smart ball movement, confident shooting, and relentless defense. Imran Armstrong began to take control, threading passes through tight gaps and pushing the tempo in transition. Milan John found his rhythm from both inside and beyond the arc, hitting a key three that tied the game before following it with a strong drive to take the lead.
 
Tye Cotie added toughness in the paint, cleaning up rebounds and finishing second-chance points, while Matteo Zagar energized the team with an assist-filled stretch and active defense down low. As the clock wound down, Emmanuel Akot hit a deep buzzer-beater three pointer to send the crowd roaring as Western entered halftime up 39 to 34.
 
Out of the break, the Mustangs looked composed and confident. Milan John continued to dominate offensively, scoring at will and showing his range with multiple jumpers and a smooth three pointer from the top of the key. Imran Armstrong showcased his court vision with pinpoint passing, racking up assist after assist while also hitting a huge three of his own to extend Western's lead.

"I think the guys were just finding me, knocking down my shots. We work every day in practice together, finding plays that work and spacing that works." said John The guys were just finding me today, and I just happened to be hitting."
 
Tye Cotie brought his trademark energy off the bench, throwing down an emphatic dunk that shifted the momentum fully in Western's favor and his dad roaring. Matteo Zagar added another dunk soon after, sealing off the paint defensively and giving the Mustangs a 61 to 55 edge heading into the fourth. Western's unselfish passing and communication were on full display, setting the tone for the final frame.

The Ridgebacks made several pushes behind Keon Baker, who finished with 25 points, but Western's depth proved too much to handle. Imran Armstrong continued to lead the offense with confidence, finding Cotie and Zagar for easy finishes while knocking down free throws to maintain control. Milan John capped off his stellar night with a series of drives that silenced any comeback attempt, finishing with a team-high 26 points.
 
Isaiah Young added timely assists and defensive stops, while Owen Urquhart contributed key rebounds and hustle plays in the closing minutes. The Mustangs' ball movement and defensive rebounding held firm, tightening the screws and securing an 83 to 73 victory in front of an energized home crowd.