2/12/2010 10:40:22 PM
KINGSTON, Ont. (February 12, 2009) – Mitch Leger (#14) of Kingston, Ont., had 22 points and 9 rebounds in the Gaels’ loss to the No. 6 University of Ottawa Gee-Gees at the Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC) Friday evening.

Leger has averaged 22 points and 12.2 points this regular season and remains the only player in the OUA to average a double-double.

Dan Bannister (#4) of Newmarket, Ont., was the only other Gael to score in the double digits with 11 points. Baris Ondul (#5) of Istanbul, Turkey, led the Gaels’ in assists with six, as well as contributing eight points.

The first quarter saw the Gaels begin with a burst of energy as they fought to gain a lead on the nationally ranked team. With an early drive from Leger, the Gaels remained within two points until late in the first quarter. A late run allowed the Gee-Gees to take a nine point lead with a score of 21-12.

With Leger sitting for much of the second quarter with an injury, the Gaels looked to sharp shooters such as Ondul and Bannister to remain in the game. Despite some quick offense, the Gee-Gees defence was too much for the Gaels and the Gaels trailed by a score of 37-23 at the end of the half.

With the return of Leger in the third quarter, the Gaels cut down the Gee-Gees’ lead and only trailing by 10 points midway through the quarter. Ottawa had a response of their own, and took a 13 point lead into the final quarter.

The Gaels had an excellent final quarter both offensively and defensively as they were within striking position of the Gee-Gees. However, Ottawa proved to be too much on this night and took the game by a final score of 72-59.

Josh Gibson-Bascombe of Toronto, Ont., led the Gee-Gees with 16 points, eight assists, and five rebounds.

The loss brings the Gaels record to .500 at 10-10 as they remain third in the OUA Eastern Division, trailing No. 6 Ottawa and No. 3 Carlton.