The Western Mustangs came back from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Guelph Gryphon men's basketball team 84-80 this afternoon (Feb. 6) in London.
With the loss the Guelph Gryphons fall to 5-13 on the year and sit at the bottom of the OUA West standings, while the Mustangs are now 10-8 on the year and are in fourth place.
Each team came out of the gates slowly. The Gryphons were playing tight on defence and forcing Western into taking tough shots. Guelph held a slim three point advantage at the end of the frame 14-11.
The Gryphon lead was extended in the second quarter behind the incredibly hot shooting hand of fifth-year Jay Mott (Burlington, Ont.). During a stretch in the second quarter he had 14 points in a row, including 4 triples. He finished with a season-high 33 points on the day and shot 7-of-10 from three point range. The Mustangs stayed within reach though. Poor shooting at the foul line from the Mustangs hurt their offensive game and at half time the Gryphons were up 43-31.
The Mustangs tightened up their play in the third quarter and began their comeback from a deficit
as large as 16 points at one time. They were getting to the foul line and were playing very well defensive. By the end of the quarter the Gryphons lead had been cut down to 63-56.
The fourth quarter started out with a 7-0 run by the Mustangs to tie the game at 63 apiece. The crowd rallied behind their team and Western pushed their lead to 11 with 1:41 remaining. Guelph refused to rollover though and battled back, fouling to send Western to the foul line and then cutting into the lead on their offensive end. The Mustangs proved to be gelling at the right time however, and held on to win 84-80.
Guelph was led by Mott's 33 points, followed by Dan McCarthy (Guelph, Ont.) with 13 points and Matthew Howlett (Burlington, Ont.) with 10 points. Jonathan Moscatelli (Toronto) led the Gryphons in rebounding with seven.
Leading the Mustangs charge was Andrew Wedemire who finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The Gryphons continue their road stint traveling to Waterloo to play the Laurier Golden Hawks next Wednesday (Feb. 10) at 8:00 p.m.
- With files from Western Sports Information -
