Tonight, the Waterloo Warriors took on the reigning OUA champions and U Sports national silver medalists, the Queen's Gaels, in a spirited match up at Carl Totzke Court. Despite a strong start, the Warriors fell 99-60 in a game that showcased the Gaels' precision shooting and defensive dominance.

The first quarter was a closely contested battle, with both teams exchanging possessions and showcasing their energy on the court. Isaiah McRae (Burlington, ON) kept the Warriors in the mix with key three pointers, while Rafael Llorin (Cambridge, ON) had a huge steal leading to a momentum shifting bucket by Mac Steenburgh (Vancouver, BC). Cristian Craciun (Ancaster, ON) also drained a late three pointer, continuing the Warriors' season long trend of strong perimeter shooting. The teams ended the quarter tied 20-20, setting the stage for what initially seemed like a balanced contest.

In the second quarter, Queen's began to pull away, relying on their sharp shooting and rebounding advantage. Kiran Chadwick-Rupp (Victoria, BC) brought contributions from beyond the arc that helped the Warriors stay competitive. However, the Gaels capitalized on their high shooting percentage, limiting the Warriors' opportunities for rebounds. By halftime, the Gaels had built a 47-34 lead.

The third quarter saw Queen's extend their dominance, powered by their offensive efficiency and defensive control. Llorin's sunk a late three pointer giving the Warriors a spark, but the Gaels' relentless accuracy made it challenging to mount a comeback. At the end of the third, the score stood at 68-43 in favor of the Gaels.

In the fourth quarter, both teams continued to play with high energy, frequently rotating players to maintain the pace. While the Warriors battled until the final buzzer, Queen's defensive strength kept the home team's offense in check. A late shot clock buzzer beater by Andre Rudy (Mount Brydges, ON) was a testament to the Warriors' effort, but the Gaels' well rounded performance secured their commanding 99-60 victory.

The Warriors will have a quick turnaround as they host the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. again at home. They'll look to bounce back and build on the flashes of energy and determination displayed in tonight's game.