GUELPH, Ont. – With one win already in the books against the Windsor Lancers to start the 2021-22 season, the Guelph Gryphons were looking to replicate that same result Saturday afternoon at the GGAC. Getting to play their regular season home opener in front of the enthusiastic Gryphon faithful, Guelph built up an early lead and then completely took control in the second half on their way to a 78-58 win over a young Lancers squad.
 
Although holding a lead at the half, the Gryphons (2-0) felt like they had let the Lancers (0-2) off the hook at times during the second quarter. Forcing a number of Windsor turnovers, Guelph was unable to capitalize to the extent they would have liked. However, after a few adjustments at the break, there was very little that was going to be able to stop the Gryphons over the final 20 minutes. Guelph went on to outscore Windsor 32-15 in the third quarter before coasting through the fourth while getting some young players valuable time on the floor.
 
"The third quarter was critical for us," Gryphon's Head Coach Mark Walton said. "We didn't commit any fouls and we also were able to blow the game wide open then and there, getting it up to about a 25-point lead or so."
 
"It was a great opportunity for us to get some of the younger players more time and that's really what it was all about."
 
After playing a strong opening quarter and taking a 22-12 lead over Windsor, who Guelph had previously defeated 85-58 on Wednesday, the Gryphons ran into a tough ten minute stretch in the second. Despite playing strong defence, Guelph had their struggles on the offensive end committing four turnovers in the quarter while also going 4-16 from the field. With their lead down to six points at the half, the Gryphons quickly shook off the second quarter struggles and began to show just how dominant of a team they can be. With seven different players scoring at least two points in the quarter, and Burke Bechard leading the way with nine, the Gryphons played a fast-paced, ball moving offence that Windsor had few answers for.
 
With the game's result pretty much secured, the Gryphs were able to take advantage of their 69-46 lead entering the fourth and get some freshman involved in the contest. All first-year players, Julia Colavecchia (20 min.), Maggie McGuire (9 min.) and Renee Armstrong (23 min.) all saw plenty of action during the game. Meanwhile, second-year guard Tatjana Boskovic also saw nine minutes of play as the Gryphons truly put forth a full team effort.
 
With a score by committee approach, the Gryphons did not have a single player score more than 15 points. Instead they had five different players in double-figures and nine different players recording at least a basket.
 
Leading the way for Guelph was 2019-20 2^nd-Team OUA All-Star, Burke Bechard. The Dover Centre, Ont. product tallied 15 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block in just 26 minutes of action. MacKeely Shantz (14), Natalie Vigna (12), Skyla Minaker (10) and Julia Colavecchia (10) all finished with double-digit points. Renee Armstrong led the Gryphons in assists with seven, while Minaker's six assists in the contest were a game-high.
 
From the field, the Gryphons shot 43.9% while holding Windsor to just 30.9%.
 
Off to a perfect 2-0 start to begin the season, the Gryphons will try to make it three in a row on Wednesday night when they host the McMaster Marauders (2-0). The two teams will then meet again Saturday in Hamilton.