CIS Hoops.ca

KING TUT HAS A MEMORABLE HALF: In what was probably the most electrifying performance in one half by one player all season long, York's 6'3" Tut Ruach, who until recently had not produced like the Tut of old during the lacklustre season his Lions had been having, was absolutely unstoppable after a first half in which he scored only 1 point. King Tut go it going immediately off the start of the second half, getting to the rim, knocking down tough, twisting turn-around jumpers, hitting 3's and generally having his way, scoring 31 of his season-high 32 points after the intermission to lead the Lions to an improbable victory at U of T. Several others including J.P. Morin of Laval and Chris Dyck of UBC (others also likely) have had great halves this season, however Ruach got it done in a tough spot on the road against the #5 team in the CIS in a game the Lions desperately needed to solidify a playoff spot. After the Blues jumped out to a 22-11 first quarter lead, it appeared that the Lions would again be on the short end against a team with a much better record. But York has come on in recent weeks, in no small part due to the return to All-Canadian form of Ruach but York has also begun to flourish with the emergence of 6'10" sophomore center Stefan Haynes, who continues to grow into his athletic body, is becoming a defensive presence in the paint and is contributing offensively as well. Haynes had at least 5 blocks last night and altered several others while adding 9 points and 14 rebounds as his steady growth toward an above average to possibly dominant CIS center continues. Haynes play has allow 6'7" Matt Terejko move over to the four spot where he is much more effective offensively and gets more appropriate matchups defensively. Terejko, underrated athletically, can finish with emphasis on the break and has a much better face up game offensively than back-to-the-basket. 6'2" freshman Dalton Olinoski, who has firmly established himself in the rotation, complements Tut and York's more imposing front line by adding the ability to make open perimeter jumpers and Olinoski seemingly has moved ahead of last season's top Lions rookie, 6'2" Jason Hoult in the rotation. York now has their sights set on fifth place as they prepare to meet Ryerson at Kerr Hall in downtown Toronto this evening. A win over the Rams tonight would virtually sew up fifth for the Lions who about a month ago were struggling to get wins. However, the Lions appear to be peaking at the right time and could be a very tough out in the OUA East playoffs, led by the incomparable King Tut.

GLEDDIE GETS TOSSED... AGAIN We don't have the official count at our finger tips, but for at least the third time (maybe more ?) Thompson Rivers Head Coach Nevin Gleddie was ejected for drawing two technicals during yesterday afternoon's game in Kamloops against UBC Thunderbirds. According to the report on the UBC web site, Gleddie was assessed a pair of "T's" in the first quarter and was ejected. Earlier this season, Gleddie was suspended for drawing a series of technicals. The WolfPack, in last place in Canada West's Pacific Division, ended up playing the first-place T-Birds very tough at home, losing by only 6 and it took a monster performance from probable Canada West First Team all-star 6'3" Chris Dyck, who had 34 points for UBC.

BADGERS REMAIN CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT BUT HOLD ON TO BEAT LAKEHEAD: Head Coach Ken Murray got his 499th career win last night but it wasn't easy or pretty as the Badgers nearly squandered a 20 point lead at home. Brock got an outstanding performance from unsung 6'7" forward Dusty Bianchin, who had several key rebounds and went 6 for 6 down the stretch at the free throw line to hold off the T-Wolves who were within 3 in the final minute of play. 6'4" Kiraan Posey had 31 for Lakehead, most in the second half. Bernie Puchalski of the St. Catharines Standard has more Badgers try to give it back