ANCASTER, Ont. - It was an incredible atmosphere at the Redeemer University College gymnasium on Friday night as the men's basketball Royals finally played their first home game of the season. In an intense and scrappy game, the home side came out on top 88-78 over the Sault Cougars.

Backed by their fans, the Royals led for most of the game but couldn't pull away from the Cougars. Every time Redeemer went on a run, Sault was able to answer.

The early lead proved the difference as the Royals pulled away in the last few minutes of the game for the win.

Benn Ibrahim put on an offensive display for Redeemer with 25 points. Josh DeSchiffert added 19 points while Jacob Walda and A.J. Manguerra also hit double figures with 13 and 12 respectively.

Hugh Taylor had a team-high 20 points for Sault.

Redeemer Royals head coach Jamie Girolametto commented, "I thought we were a little undisciplined. We didn't really execute our game plan. We need to do a better job at protecting our home court."

With the win, the Royals record moves to 2-2.

"The win for us was nice," said Girolametto. "We are looking to start a home winning streak as our next four matches are all at home".

Round two of the Redeemer-Sault match-up takes place tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Redeemer in the second game of their double header.

Source: Redeemer University College