Box Score Story by: Martin Timmerman

The Waterloo Warriors put together a strong effort against a playoff bound team and defeated the visiting Laurentian Voyageurs 68-66 on Saturday night at the PAC.

With Waterloo leading by 8 points with under two minutes remaining, Laurentian hit some free throws and Ryan Bennett hit a three to make it close. Laurentian was down three with the ball and 20 seconds remaining. They had two shots from long range including another by Bennett that rimmed out. Mike Pereira (Waterloo) grabbed the rebound of that miss and hit one of two free throws at the other end to make it a two possession game. Laurentian tipped in a basket at the buzzer to make it a two point difference.
 
Despite the win, the Wilfrid Laurier win over Nipissing down University Avenue means that Waterloo will finish out of the playoffs. Waterloo will close out the schedule with a game at Windsor on Wednesday and will host Western next Saturday.
 
The teams traded baskets to start the game until Waterloo went on a 7-0 run during the middle portion of the first quarter. Waterloo held a four point lead at the break and would score the first six points of the second quarter to open up a 10 point lead. Laurentian responded with a run of their own and took the lead after a 10 point run. At the half, Waterloo held a slim 28-26 lead. Both teams were missing from long range, each hitting just one for 10 from long range in the first half.
 
The third quarter was marked by two different runs. Laurentian controlled the first five minutes, outscoring the Warriors 15-5 and taking an 8 point lead. But Waterloo held Laurentian scoreless over the last five minutes, scoring 12 of their own and holding a 4 point lead going into the final period.
 
In the fourth, Waterloo never trailed, reaching their highest margin of 11 points with 2:20 remaining in the game. Laurentian mounted a spirited comeback over the final minutes, but Waterloo held on for the win.
 
Waterloo had only seven players enter the game, with Myles Charvis (Mississauga) playing the entire game and leading the way with 23 points. Jaspreet Gill (Oliver) added 19 for the Warriors. Jon Ravenhorst (Sarnia) was top rebounder with 9.
 
Laurentian had four players reach double figures, with Ryan Bennett hitting for 20 points and Sam Hirst contributing 19 points. Tychon Carter-Newman had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Prior to the game, the two head coaches Shawn Swords of Laurentian and Greg Francis of Waterloo had a long chat to renew acquaintance. They were teammates on Canada's Sydney 2000 Olympic team.
 
Waterloo improves to 5-13 with the win and will have their next home game at 3:00pm on Saturday February 21 as part of Annual Fantastic Alumni, Faculty and Staff day at Waterloo.