Written by Jas Grewal
Ravens Win 5th Straight CIS Championship
The Carleton Ravens had only lost twice in the regular season – once to the Windsor Lancers and another to their crosstown rivals, the Ottawa Gee-Gees. In the latter game, CIS player of the year Johnny Berhanemeskel poured in 24 points, albeit not on the best shooting percentage, to lead his Gee-Gees to a 68-66 win over the buoyant Ravens.
This time around the Ravens sought retribution. And this time around, the results would be drastically different – especially in a game that was nationally televised, in Toronto, at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, and for all the marbles.
Behind unwavering defensive pressure by the defending champs and a seemingly routine scoring night for brothers Phil and Thomas Scrubb, the Carleton Ravens and Coach Dave Smart were able to take home the 47 point win, 93-46, and more importantly, win their 5th consecutive CIS Men’s National Championship – a seemingly recurring theme in Canadian University basketball as the Raven’s have won 11 of the last 13 CIS Championships since Smart has been Head Coach.
In the contest both Scrubb brothers filled up the stat sheet with Phil – the game and Tournament MVP (Jack Donohue Trophy) – scoring 28 points to go along with 10 helpers (10/16 FG), while Thomas poured in 20 points to compliment his 12 rebound and two block night. Guelph, Ontario’s Connor Wood showed his scoring prowess as he tallied 21 points (5/7 3PT) to help aid the Ravens in the scoring column.
CIS player of the year and Gee-Gee’s go-to scorer Johnny Berhanemeskel struggled in this matchup with a hand in his face all game, as he finished with six points on 1/10 shooting from the floor, while Moe Ismail led his team in scoring with 10 points in the loss.
After the game Phil Scrubb spoke to the media about winning his fifth consecutive CIS Men’s National Championship, something that gets sweeter and sweeter every year for the Richmond, B.C., native.
“[It’s] Pretty cool, like winning your last game, and we had a pretty good group of guys this year… and we had a couple of losses, so it feels good to win in the end.”
“It’s a little weird, this being my last game. It’s obviously a great feeling to win with these group of guys, it’s been a lot of fun.”
When asked if the fifth championship was the most satisfying one, the 6’3” guard was quick to respond.
“Right now, yeah.”
“But each individual one is special, obviously the first one, and last year was good too. But yeah, this one being my last game is pretty special.”
Phil Scrubb averaged a sublime 29.3 points, 8.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 61% from the floor and 64% from 3-point-land.
With their 5th CIS Final 8 Championships each, Phil and Thomas became only the 5th and 6th players in CIS history to win 5 titles. Both Scrubbs were named Tournament All-Stars
Game Box Score: Click HERE
Ryerson Rams Nab the Bronze Medal
After losing a tough matchup against the Ottawa Gee-Gee’s Saturday evening, the Ryerson Rams looked to channel their fury towards their Sunday morning opponents, the Victoria Vikes, in the bronze medal game.
Despite Oakville, Ontario native Chris McLaughlin controlling the paint against a relatively undersized Rams club, a fourth quarter run ignited by Jahmal Jones and Adika Peter McNeilly negated any chance at a win for the visiting Vikes.
As a result the Ryerson Rams were able to pull out the 82-68 win over the Vikes.
Jones – the game MVP – led the way with 25 points to go along with six rebounds and eight assists, while teammate Adika Peter McNeilly added 21 points of his own to go along with nine rebounds.
McLaughlin led the Vikes with 22 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.
After the game Coach Roy Rana spoke to the media about the bronze medal victory.
“It’s a little bitter sweet because, you know, we wished we were playing for gold but I’m proud of the team. I mean, we bounced back and I thought they gave a tremendous effort tonight. So I’m happy.”
“These kids take great pride in the uniform they wear and I think that’s the culture we’ve built and it’s pretty impressive for them to be able to bounce back on a very short turnaround time in a really, really tough game and have a great fourth quarter,” said a candid Rana. “So I think it says a lot about their resiliency and a lot about their character.”
Game Box Score Click HERE
CIS FINAL 8 AWARDS
Tournament MVP (Jack Donohue Trophy): Philip Scrubb, Carleton
R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award: Adika Peter-McNeilly, Ryerson
Tournament All-Stars: Philip Scrubb, Carleton Thomas Scrubb, Carleton Connor Wood, Carleton Caleb Agada, Ottawa Adika Peter-McNeilly, Ryerson
Written by Jas Grewal
Edited and posted by Drew Ebanks
