TORONTO - George Brown's men's basketball team (9-1, 1st East) handed Seneca its first loss of the season on Wednesday night in front of a raucous home crowd at Casa Loma.
Leading the way in a 72-71 victory, while moving up a spot to fourth on the OCAA's all-time scoring list, was Ajahmo Clarke (Ajax). In what may have been the game's biggest swing, Seneca botched an attempt at the rim and Clarke converted a pretty deuce going the other way to give George Brown a two-point advantage late.
The 6-foot-3 small forward finished with a game-high 23 points along with a team-high 12 rebounds. It was a fitting cap to what has been a great semester for Clarke - he wraps up the opening10 games averaging a tick under 22 a night on over 50 per cent shooting from the field, while leading the province in steals with 31.
Kevon Mascoe (Scarborough) had himself a huge opening 20 minutes, and when tempers flared late was the team's emotional leader. He finished his night with 17 points, a pair of triples and six boards. The games decisive stat may have been 16 huge points for the home side off of turnovers.
With Centennial set to host this year's OCAA championship, only one bye slot is available in the East. George Brown and Seneca have clearly established themselves as the Division's top dogs, and the difference between heading into the holiday's two games back and tied is massive. The Huskies have now won five games in a row and are a perfect 5-0 away from home.
The George Brown women's team (1-8, 8th East) fell 76-41 to Seneca in a disappointing finish to the semester. Tianna Sullivan (Toronto), the OCAA's second leading scorer heading into the game, led all Huskies with 18 points. The 5-foot-10 wing was relentless attacking the rim, earning nine trips to the charity stripe and a team-best thirteen rebounds.
The Huskies struggled from the field for 40 minutes, shooting a paltry 17.5 per cent for two and 5.5 per cent from beyond the arc. The Sting bench outscored George Brown 40-8, essentially the difference in the game.
Despite the tough finish the Huskies remain within striking position of a crossover playoff spot. With at least one major addition on the way, George Brown hopes that the break will be good for them and reinforcements can make an immediate impact.
Adding to a great night was the Department accepting gate donations prior to both the men's and women's games. Athletics raised over $325 for the Boys and Girls Club Holiday Hamper Program, as well as 75 pounds of non-perishable food items in support of the GBC Student Association food drive.
The Huskies open the season's second half on Friday, Jan. 13 when they host the Durham Lords at Casa Loma. Women's game tips off at 6 p.m., men's game at 8 p.m.
Source: George Brown College