LONDON, ON -
The Mustangs looked to head into the postseason with a win against the Laurier Golden Hawks. The Golden Hawks came out of the gates quickly, knocking six threes in the first quarter. The Mustangs on the other hand were a little slow to get going offensively. Laurier quickly got up to a 12-point lead.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs fought back and erased the deficit, tying the game up at 34 at halftime. Mikyle Malabuyoc was on fire beyond the arc, knocking down 4 of his 5 attempts for 12 points.
In the third quarter, Western came out firing, building a lead by as much as eight points. Laurier wouldn't go away and continued to fight back, cutting the Mustangs lead to one heading into the final frame.
Laurier went on a 15-2 run to start the fourth quarter, leading by as much as 16-points. They held on to take it 76-64.
The Mustangs grabbed 39 rebounds to Laurier's 40, but the Golden Hawks' 11 offensive boards gave them an advantage. As the Mustangs head into the postseason, Noah Otshudi emphasized intensity and staying on the glass. "Rebounding is our biggest focus right now. Today they beat us on the offensive glass and we need to bring the intensity. That's what's going to take us far in the playoffs, so we need to stay focused and stay ready".
Western heads into the postseason on Saturday, February 22nd at Alumni Hall. Tune in live on OUA.tv.
KEY STATS
G | Noah Otshudi - 17 PTS, 4 REBS, 8 ASTS
G | Mikyle Malabuyoc - 14 PTS, 2 REBS, 6 ASTS
F | Matteo Zagar - 11 PTS, 10 REBS, 1 AST
