The Mustangs delivered another masterclass in pace, teamwork, and precision, overpowering the Queen's Gaels 107 to 71 to move to 3 and 0 on the season. The energy in the gym was electric from start to finish, the kind of night where every pass, dunk, and three pointer fed the crowd's roar. Western's chemistry and balance were on full display against a skilled and well coached Queen's team that battled to the end.
 
The game opened with pure excitement. Milan John came out blazing, scoring two back to back fast break layups that sent the Alumni Hall crowd into a frenzy and gave Western instant momentum. Those early bursts of speed sparked a 16 to 5 run, forcing Queen's to call their first timeout. From there, the Mustangs never looked back. John's pace and finishing touch set the tone, while Armstrong commanded the offense with patience and vision. Lucas Sheets found his rhythm from deep, Zagar hit from outside, and Akot threw down a thunderous dunk that had the bench on their feet. Western's full court pressure forced turnovers that turned into easy buckets, and their early execution on both ends set the stage for what would become a long night for the Gaels. By the end of the first, Western led 28 to 17, fueled by confidence and composure.
  
Western's rhythm only grew stronger as the game progressed. Armstrong, John, and Akot worked in perfect sync, threading passes that carved up the Queen's defense. Zagar continued his all around brilliance, stretching the floor with a smooth three pointer and fighting for rebounds inside. Off the bench, Tye Cotie provided valuable energy, finishing through contact and helping Western control the paint. Queen's found some life through Bain and Itegeli, who connected on threes and mid range jumpers, but Western answered every run. Akot was a force inside, using his strength and athleticism to muscle through defenders, while John stayed sharp from the perimeter, drilling another three before halftime. By the break, Western had built a commanding 56 to 34 lead, their discipline and teamwork suffocating the Gaels' rhythm.

"On and off the court, we're clicking really well. That's been huge for us," said John "We already know when guys are cutting or what reads they're going to make, and that helps a lot. It's just about building on what we already have."
 
If the first half belonged to Western's composure, the third quarter belonged to their flair. Raequon Pryce opened with a confident three pointer, setting off a storm. Moments later, Western forced a turnover, leading to one of the highlight plays of the night, a slick behind the back pass from Milan John to Emmanuel Akot, who buried a corner three as the crowd erupted. Not even a minute later, Isaiah Young drilled another three from the wing, tightening the screws and putting the game further out of reach. Western's momentum was unstoppable. Akot continued to dominate the glass, grabbing explosive offensive rebounds and converting on emphatic put backs that showcased his physical edge and determination. Queen's tried to claw back behind mid range jumpers from Jakub Dobiech and the steady play of Bain, but Western's defensive rotations and quick strikes held firm. By the end of the quarter, the Mustangs had stretched their lead to 86 to 49, turning the final minutes into a showcase of precision and power.
 
The Mustangs showed no signs of easing up. Armstrong's steady hand kept the pace sharp, while Zagar's interior presence continued to frustrate Queen's defenders. Urquhart and Baggaley Lacerte added exclamation points to the night, each throwing down highlight reel dunks that brought the crowd to its feet. Akot's leadership stood out in every possession, communicating on defense and setting up teammates with the kind of vision that defines a true veteran presence. Queen's continued to compete hard, with Bain and Fisk fighting for every point, but Western's tempo, depth, and relentless execution left no doubt about the outcome. Urquhart's final dunk in the closing seconds was the perfect symbol of Western's dominance, powerful, confident, and united.

"We really emphasize ball movement and sharing the ball. We have a lot of capable players, especially offensively, and when everyone is willing to trust each other, it opens everything up," said Campbell "The more we share, the more we create those quality looks. That trust and understanding between our players is what keeps the offense flowing. We're generating good shots, and we trust our guys to take them confidently."
 
This win was more than another number in the standings. It was proof of what happens when talent meets trust. The Mustangs blended athleticism, teamwork, and sharp execution to dismantle one of the league's most disciplined teams. From Milan John's fast start to Akot's relentless rebounding and Armstrong's playmaking, this was Western basketball at its finest, fast, fearless, and focused.
 
INDIVIDUAL STATS 
Western Mustangs Leaders
Milan John 23 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds
Imran Armstrong 18 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds
Emmanuel Akot 17 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
Matteo Zagar 14 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals
Lucas Sheets 13 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds
 
TEAM STATS
Field Goals 42 for 77 (54.5%)
Three Pointers 15 for 27 (56.7%)
Free Throws 8 for 30 (75.0%)
Rebounds 37
Assists 37
Steals 16
 
NEXT GAME 
The Mustangs are back on home court next weekend with a pair of games, starting Friday night as they host the Algoma Thunderbirds for a 8pm tip-off. Western will then host the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday night at Alumni Hall, game time is set for 8:00 pm. Get your tickets at WesternMustangs.ca/tickets. Western students get free admission with a valid Western ONECard.