The power of two: Gee-Gees evolve to hunt elusive national title

Hamilton, ON- James Derouin has a lot to be proud of and knows it. The Ottawa Gee-Gees men’s basketball team has won two OUA titles and multiple national medals in his tenure. Derouin said he has a great life, loves coaching the team and is proud of what they’ve built at Ottawa.  However, when he looks at their city rivals, he’s reminded of something. He knows … Continue reading The power of two: Gee-Gees evolve to hunt elusive national title

“It’s a process”: Ravens balance growing pains with push to win 

Hamilton, ON- Taffe Charles hates losing.  The Carleton Ravens men’s basketball head coach has hated that feeling of defeat for a long time – ever since he was 16 years old.  He was playing football at the time on an undefeated team. He and his teammates were feeling pretty good as they went into a game one day expecting to win, not taking it seriously. Then, … Continue reading “It’s a process”: Ravens balance growing pains with push to win 

“A History Lesson”: McMaster writes their own chapter versus Carleton

Hamilton, ON- Two numbers sat on the board in the McMaster Marauders men’s basketball team’s locker room.  The number zero was on one side. 27 on the other. It stood for their record against the Carleton Ravens in the past 22 years: 0-27. Their record since their last victory against the Ravens – the CIS quarterfinals in Halifax on Mar. 16, 2001, when they edged them … Continue reading “A History Lesson”: McMaster writes their own chapter versus Carleton

“We got to rebound”: Can McMaster find their energy and fight? 

Hamilton, ON- McMaster Marauders head coach Patrick Tatham felt it early on in their home game against the Toronto Metropolitan Bold on Nov. 22.  Things had been going well for the Marauders men’s basketball team. They had won three games in a row – including most recently against the ranked Western Mustangs. They were feeling pretty good about themselves. Then the TMU game tipped off… The … Continue reading “We got to rebound”: Can McMaster find their energy and fight? 

“We’re brothers”: How the Marauders came together in winning run

Hamilton, ON- As their game against the Windsor Lancers come down to the final minutes and then seconds, Moody Qasim sensed it. He sensed the unity and energy among him and his McMaster Marauder teammates. “Deep down, we dived in, took over the game down the stretch,” Qasim said. “Ultimately, that gave us the win.”  The Marauders men’s basketball team pulled out a close win over … Continue reading “We’re brothers”: How the Marauders came together in winning run

“Staying Solid”: Charles and Saliu show their fighting spirit up front 

Hamilton, ON- When the McMaster Marauders men’s basketball team’s home opener came down to the wire against the Toronto Varsity Blues, forward Riaz Saliu knew what to do: fight. “We’re about fighting. We’re a fighting team. We’re always going to battle you,” Saliu said. “We’re always going to be in the game if we keep giving our energy.”  Saliu and the Marauders fought until the end. … Continue reading “Staying Solid”: Charles and Saliu show their fighting spirit up front 

OUA East Men’s Basketball Preview: The Best Division in U SPORTS? 

Hamilton, ON- When it came time for the Final 8 in Halifax, the OUA East was at the forefront of it all. There were three teams at the tournament and two in the semi-finals. It ended with the Ottawa Gee-Gees winning bronze and the Carleton Ravens winning gold. Is this the best division in the nation? It very well could be as all three teams look … Continue reading OUA East Men’s Basketball Preview: The Best Division in U SPORTS? 

OUA Central Men’s Basketball Preview: The Balance of Power  

Hamilton, ON- From top to bottom, the OUA Central division might be the most balanced of them all. The first-place Brock Badgers had 16 wins while the fifth-place McMaster Marauders had 12. Even the last place York Lions had six wins. Can any team run away with the division title this year or will it be a tight race to the end once again? Brock Badgers … Continue reading OUA Central Men’s Basketball Preview: The Balance of Power  

It’s anybody’s game as RSEQ men’s basketball kicks off

Quebec – The RSEQ was as close as can be last season, with the UQAM Citadins winning the conference at 10-6, and the McGill Redbirds finishing last at 6-10. Statistics only strengthen the argument. There was only an 82-point difference between the best offence an the worst offence last season, and a 116-point difference in defence. It should be a very exciting season, and every … Continue reading It’s anybody’s game as RSEQ men’s basketball kicks off

OUA West Men’s Basketball Preview: Crowded at the Top 

Hamilton, ON- Several different teams have taken turns winning the OUA West or making deep playoff runs. Last season, it was the Windsor Lancers with U SPORTS MOP Thomas Kennedy. Now, with Kennedy gone, is the conference race wide open again? Algoma Thunderbirds 2022-23 Record: 4-26 (3-19 in OUA regular season)  Preseason Record: 2-5 After Etienne Jacquet and Ryan Vetrie shared coaching duties last season, Vetrie … Continue reading OUA West Men’s Basketball Preview: Crowded at the Top