Thursday 15 October 2009

Dalhousie 77, Guelph 67

6'7" Sandy Viet had 22 points on 9-12 shooting and 6'1" Simon Farine also had 22 including 16 in the first half when the Tigers built a 9 point lead and Dal held off a late Gryphon run to win in Guelph in the CIS opener for both teams. Fourth-year forward Viet, who started to contribute significantly toward the end of last year, shook off a case of shingles that put him on the shelf for over a week earlier this month to assert himself offensively in the low post where the Gryphons chose to play behind him. Teaming with 6'9" Joe Schow, Viet, who looks stronger and more muscular than in previous years, created problems for the Gryphs array of young big men.

"There were moments when we showed we can be a very good team", commented an encouraged Tiger Head Coach John Campbell, "however we were not consistent defensively as we struggled guarding the ball which gave them alot of good open looks." Fortunately for the Tigers, the Gryphs "shot the ball poorly" in the words of Guelph Head Coach Chris O'Rourke - Guelph shot just 30% from the floor for the night.

Still, Guelph was able to get the game back to 65-63 with about 2 1/2 minutes remaining with the ball but a missed layup and then consecutive turnovers sealed the Gryphs fate and Dal was able to stretch their lead primarily from the foul line.

Dal's star guard Farine was as usual able to get to good places on the floor most of the evening and got to the foul line late in the game to help keep the Gryphs at bay.

6'4" Jonathan Moscatelli led the Gryphs with 21 points while 6'4" Jay Mott, coming off a bout of the flu, added 15 points/6 rebounds despite being in foul trouble. Lefty 6'8" freshman John Brutto, one of six first-year players for Guelph, had 6 rebounds and 4 blocked shots for the Gryphs, who were without the services of 6'10" 260 lbs. center Colton Hood, who is battling pnemonia.

Notes: Guelph's experience at the guard spot was hurt by the early September decision of 6'1" defensive specialist Charles Ageymang to focus on academics. Ageymang is taking an overload course schedule in an attempt to qualify for a Master's program. Also, 7'0" Dan Latka from Parry Sound decided to not play this season. Dal moves on to meet Brock Badgers tomorrow night at the Hawk Classic at Sir Wilfred Laurier while the Gryphs host Eureka College, an NCAA Division III team from Eureka, IL tomorrow night.

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October 11th post on UBC web site from Coach Kevin Hansen (thanks for the props)

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