GUELPH, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphons men's basketball team fell to the Western Mustangs 93-79 Saturday night in a game which served as the University of Guelph's men's basketball program's 'Senior Night' and 'Alumni Day' celebrations. As part of the game's recognition of the Gryphon basketball alumni, the 1973-74 CIAU Championship winning team was honoured at halftime, with six members of the lone U of G national championship winning team in attendance for the celebration. On the court, the game was highlighted by standout performances from Dezayne Mingo, who recorded his second-career triple-double, and Viktoras Nausedas, who led all scorers in his final game at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. 

With the Gryphons officially eliminated from playoff contention, Viktoras Nausedas was determined to put on a memorable performance in the final game on his home court. The product of Mississauga, Ontario led all scorers in the game with 24 points which was also a career-high for the veteran forward. Nausedas' performance was highlighted by a scoring run of 13 straight points for the Gryphons to open the second quarter of action. 2022-23 OUA Rookie of the Year Dezayne Mingo also impressed, recording the second triple-double of his career with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. The sophomore from Hamilton's performance also marked the second ever triple-double in U of G men's basketball history, with Mingo recording the first last season in a 107-89 win over the Nipissing Lakers. 

The Gryphons quickly found themselves trailing the visiting team after a 28-17 opening quarter for the Mustangs, but would cut the deficit to 9 with a high-scoring 27-25 second frame. Another strong third quarter for Western would see them take a 17-point lead into the final frame. In the fourth quarter would outscore the Mustangs but the advantage would eb too much to overcome, with the Gryphons ultimately falling 93-79. 

Next weekend will mark the final two games of the season for the Gryphons, as they head to North Bay to take on the Nipissing Lakers Friday night (Feb. 16) before taking on the Laurentian Voyageurs in their regular season finale on Saturday (Feb. 17).