MBB | Voyageurs Unable to Close Gap in Final Road Game Versus Queen’s
The Laurentian Voyageurs couldn't fully recover from an early battle, falling 77-69 to the Queen's Gaels in their final road game. Despite a strong fourth-quarter push, the Vees trailed for most of the contest and were unable to swing the decision, dropping to 10-10 on the season with just two games left in the schedule.
Queen's controlled the opening stretches, seizing opportunities and second-chance points to build an edge. The Gaels held Laurentian without a field goal for the first four minutes before Keenan Morain broke through with a jumper. Still, Queen's carried a 19-16 advantage after one, setting the tone with defensive pressure.
The second saw Laurentian struggle to find consistency offensively. While Aiden Blair provided a spark with a pair of three-pointers and Daniel Muila-Mwaka battled inside for key rebounds, Queen's extended its lead through efficient ball movement and interior finishes. The Gaels went into halftime up 38-30 after limiting Laurentian's transition chances.
Laurentian showed more life after the break. Muila-Mwaka was active on the glass, earning multiple second-chance opportunities, while To Randriasalama attacked the rim to cut into the deficit. However, Queen's answered with shifty perimeter shooting and maintained a lengthy possession to lead 55-43 after three.
To begin the fourth quarter, Jaylen Forde knocked down a three-pointer and provided defensive energy, as the Voyageurs outscored Queen's 26-22 in the quarter. Ismael Konate continued to dominate the paint, converting inside and cleaning the glass, but Queen's sealed the game at the free-throw line in the dying minutes.
Despite the close ending, Laurentian struggled with ball control most of the night, forfeiting 29 turnovers, with over 30 of Queen's points coming as a result of them. As Laurentian looks ahead, executing early and protecting the ball will be critical in their final regular home games, Friday and Saturday against Carleton and Ottawa.
- Brendan Rubin