Rams use Big 2nd Half to Topple Varsity Blues 88–61
Playing at the Goldring Centre for the first time in nearly two years (Last year’s game was moved to the Enercare Centre as part of All-Star weekend), the Rams rode complete efforts from Adika Peter-McNeilly (24 PTS, 9–21 FG, 12 REB, 2 AST) and Manny Diressa who returned from an injury that kept him out of action for the past couple of weeks to the 17 point win on Friday night.
“It felt good, I was tired a little bit at the beginning trying to shake the rust off. It was nice to get out here and play U of T for the first time to shake off the rust.” said Diressa post game after he posted a line 15 points on 6–12 from the floor.
Ryerson started this game as if it was the fifth quarter of last Saturday’s game at Laurier, opening on a 17–9 run chock full of highlights. Juwon Grannum became J3W3n Gr3nnum knocking down three triples in a five possession span, Manny knocked down a 24 footer while getting fouled from the right wing, but the biggest play was ADAM VOLL MURDERING DEVIN JOHNSON IN COLD BLOOD:
Keevon Small came off the bench and closed the quarter on a mini 5–0 run of his own to give the Rams a 28–17 lead heading to the 2nd.
And then the rim completely shrunk.
The 2nd quarter was a 19–9 victory for the Varsity Blues, as the Rams couldn’t buy a bucket for over 3:30 at one point and gave up a few too many open jump shots to the likes of Devin Johnson and Manny Sahota. They were able to reclaim the lead 37–36 just before half on a Diressa steal and score with under 10 ticks to go.
Completely flip the script of the 2nd and you had yourselves the Rams 3rd quarter effort. Whatever Coach Rana said at halftime lit a fire under the team, as they blitzed the Blues on a 28–9 run over the entire quarter thanks in large part to a Major Kee(von) Alert. Small knocked down two treys, and notched a steal leading to an Adika 3 ball.
“When my shot is falling it makes it so much easier on defence” said Small. “Any little thing that’s positive, any breaks out there makes it better on both ends.”
The Rams cruised through the 4th, and Adika tied a knot on the game with this breakaway slam:
One player that won’t stand out on the score sheet but was crucial to the Rams success tonight was Adam Voll, who went scoreless but continued his great run of rim protection so far this season tallying three blocks and challenging every Blues look he faced in the lane.
The 2nd half effort was reminiscent of last season when the team tore through the OUA, and the 18 points they scored off of TOs were the swing factor in the game tonight.
Next weekend is the OUA Banner and Ring Ceremony at Mattamy. It will be lit. Don’t miss it.
