Both the TMU Bold women's and men's basketball teams captured OUA Championship titles on Sat., Feb. 28, igniting a sea of fans in blue and gold that packed the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
Each team took victory over the Carleton Ravens in their respective championship games.
Both TMU Bold men's and women's teams celebrate their OUA Championship wins at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Sat., Feb. 28. (Photo credit: Alex D'Addese)
The day began with a 75-60 victory for the women in the Critelli Cup final.
TMU Bold head coach Carly Clarke said the home crowd's energy played a big role in the win.
"They helped give us some momentum and it was really meaningful to get this one here," she said.
OUA Critelli Cup Player of the Game, Myriam Kone, led the charge with a game-high 22 points and 6 assists, while Kait Nichols added 14 points after returning from an earlier injury.
When asked about her 11-point solo run in the second half, Kone said, "It's just me and the rim. That's all I see. I'm just trying to either get a foul or score, and find the best advantage for us."
"I want to go do whatever we need out there," she continued.
Nichols, emotional after the win, said the team's focus was always clear.
"Coming into this season, our goal as a team was to win the OUAs. And here we are," she said.
'It means the world'
Later that evening, the men's squad clinched the Wilson Cup with a 66-56 triumph over Carleton.
Bold head coach David DeAveiro praised his team's growth.
"They bought into what we were trying to teach them and then they made it their own. That's special," he said.
Senior guard Aaron Rhooms, playing in his final game at the MAC, led TMU with 16 points.
"We've been knocking on the door every year. We finally walked through that door it means the world," he said.
Gabriel Gutsmore also earned Player of the Game honours with 14 points.
"I feel like the guys got me this. I shone, but my teammates helped me shine brighter," he said.
Advancing to national championships
Both Bold teams now advance to the U SPORTS National Championships next week.
For detailed recaps of the men's and women's games please see the links below:
TMU Men's Basketball Capture Wilson Cup
Bold Women's Basketball Take Home Critelli Cup
