CIAU Finals

G a m e C o m m e n t a r y

Also see the official game report for this game.

By: Dale Stevens

In the Consolation Final of the 1999 CIAU Final 8, the Western Ontario Mustangs faced the Bishop's Gaiters. The 'Stangs, seeded 2nd in the tournament, lost their first round match to St. Mary's, but regrouped to defeat Victoria on Saturday. The Gaiters, the 5th seed, were defeated by Brandon in the opening round, but beat Ryerson Saturday to reach this game.

The reps from Ontario West prevailed 78-73 to claim the consolation crown.

The large Bishop's contingent once again created a great atmosphere, with crowd noice not usual for a game on the consolation side of the draw. The Gaiters rewarded their fans early by taking the early lead, but Western responded to even the count. At the 9 minute mark of the opening half, the Quebec champs led 21-20, and they extended the advantage to 37-34 at the intermission.

The second half proved that both teams wanted this one badly, as some of the best hoops of the weekend were played. Western came back to even the score, and eventually took the lead. The Gaiters fought back to within two, but a clutch "3" by freshman Jim Grozelle in the final minutes gave the 'Stangs a 5 point lead. Bishop's had 2 great looks from beyond the arc to get to within striking distance, but neither one fell. However, Western couldn't capitalize from the charity stripe, and Ryan Thorne hit a jumper with 5 ticks on the clock to make it 76-73. Western inbounded to Grozelle, who calmly drained both throws to give the 'Stangs a 5 point win.

All Canadian Nat Graham let all scorers with 21 points. Chris Brown had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Rob Burns scored 20 for the Gaiters, while Patrice Lemieux added 18. Bishop's shot 51% from the floor for the game, but Western shot an incredible 60%. The 36-22 advantage on the glass for the 'Stangs was a determining factor.

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