Scheduled Game: GUELPH

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GAME RESULTS 1 2 T Guelph Gryphons 34 40 74 TWUM 43 36 79 « FINAL

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Game Recap

Men's Basketball (Non-Conference)
Thursday, October 24, 2002
TWU Spartans (79) vs the University of Guelph Gryphons (74)

Spartans Knock Off OUA Top-Ranked Gryphons

Langley, British Columbia - Led by guard Adam Friesen's (2nd yr, Abbotsford, BC) - 31 points, and 8 rebounds, the Trinity Western University men's basketball team knocked off the OUA West #1 ranked University of Guelph Gryphons 79-74. Friesen came out on fire and did not cool off until the half time buzzer forced him to sit down. He hit for 22 points in the first half on 9-13 shooting from the field, including 4-4 from behind the arc.

The Spartans are a much different team than last season and with the number of new faces in the lineup comes the challenge of learning how to play with each other. "We are continuing to learn how to play together and who needs to get the ball in certain situations and how to play all out defense," said TWU head coach Stan Peters. "But needless to say I am pretty happy with the win."

In addition to their outside game the Spartans showed a strong presence in the front court. Logan Kitteringham (3rd yr, Forward, Langley, BC) knocked in 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Brian Redekop (3rd yr, Abbotsford, BC) added 11 points and 4 rebounds. Mike Ayanbadejo led the way for Guelph with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Spartans controlled the game, early as they jumped out to a 32-19 lead with 6 minutes remaining in the first half. But Guelph is a contender for this year's national championship and they responded to cut TWU's lead to 2 points, 32-30, with an 11-0 run. Then it was the Spartans turn as they closed out the half up 43-34, by going on their own run, 11-4.

The second half was a question of whether or not Guelph could get back in the game. The Spartans increased their lead to a game high 15 points, 60-45, six minutes into the second half. Guelph would not lay down, and after going on a 22-11 run they had pulled the Spartans back within range, 71-67, with 4:30 remaining in the game.

That was as close as the Gryphons would get. The Spartans made their field goals and free throws when they needed them down the stretch and closed out the game 79-74.

TWU will now host McMaster University tomorrow night, Friday, October 25, 2002. Game time is at 6:00 PM at Trinity Western University. Guelph will continue their west coast swing tomorrow night against the UBC Thunderbirds.

Game Notes: The Spartans had 27 points off of turnovers (21 by Guelph), while the Gryphons only had 10 points off of turnovers (11 by TWU)... The Spartans also had more points in the paint, 36-28 and second chance points, 15-8 than the Gryphons...Guelph had the advantage on the foul line going 23-35, while TWU went 10-16.

-TW-

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