The Concordia Stingers lost 84-80 to the Ryerson Rams in the consolation semifinal at the CIS men's basketball Final 8 tournament in Halifax on Saturday afternoon.
University basketball fans enjoyed a game featuring entertaining runs by one team then the other in a see-saw affair. But the end result was a difficult loss for the Stingers who blew leads of 14 points in the first quarter and 16 points in the third frame.
“We did not play the way we are capable of playing,” said Concordia head coach John Dore. “I think defensively we broke down in the second half. The penetration from their guards killed us. We tried to come back and didn’t. It was a disappointing end to the season.”
A couple of players put up good numbers. Fourth-year forward Evens Laroche had 19 points and nine rebounds. Fifth-year forward James Clark was named the Concordia player of the game. He had 22 points and nine rebounds in his last game as a Stinger.
“We are proud of James,” said Dore afterwards. “This year he persevered and came back from a broken wrist in the first half. I know it was frustrating for him at times. We are really proud of him and the way he played here at the nationals.”
Clark had mixed feelings about his last game.
“I feel bad,” he said. “It never feels good to lose. On a personal level, I’m happy I ended my career on a high note.”
Decee Krah, a fifth-year shooting guard, also played his last game. He had eight points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Stingers finish the competition tied in seventh place with the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The Rams will meet the Acadia Axemen in the consolation final tomorrow morning.
