TORONTO, Ont. - The Golden Hawks took a rare comfortable win over the York Lions on Friday afternoon. While the first half was characteristic of the close back-and-forth battles we've seen in most Laurier games this season, the purple and gold managed to run away with the lead in the second half, with the final score 95-69 in their favour. 

The Tait McKenzie Centre was packed as kids from the area filled the stands for a school day double-header. The men picked up right where the women left off, with the excitement of a two-point game followed up by a high-octane first quarter. 

The lead changed hands five times in the opening frame. Carrying the load offensively for the Lions were Somto Dimanochie and Prince Kamunga. The duo rank third and ninth in the OUA in points per game, respectively, and combined for 12 of York's 14 in the first quarter. 

Neither team was able to gain any separation until midway through the period, when Laurier's offence began to find its groove. The Golden Hawks finished off the first with a 9-2 run to head into the second with a 21-14 lead. 

The Lions battled back in the second, even managing to take a two-point lead roughly halfway through the quarter. York shot a red-hot 60% from the field in the frame, but were unable to put together any big runs thanks to Laurier's dominance on the glass. The Golden Hawks pulled down ten rebounds to the Lions' three in the quarter, and held a 45-37 lead at halftime. 

In the spirit of school day, the second half resembled what happens when the younger kids get roped into playing the older grades at recess. York seemed disheartened as Laurier came out of the break firing on all cylinders. They opened the third quarter with a 12-4 run, with five different players getting points in that span.  

M?? Q3 - Taye to KJ for the trey! Laurier's got their biggest lead of the game early in the half!#SoarAbove #YRKvsWLU pic.twitter.com/3LYzwZs2Qx

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) January 20, 2023

M?? Q3 - We're starting to think this @justinmalnerich kid might be a decent shooter.#SoarAbove #YRKvsWLU pic.twitter.com/QDLVQytISn

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) January 20, 2023

The Lions could do nothing to stop the Golden Hawks' relentless attack, and found themselves in foul trouble early in the quarter. That only added to the onslaught, as the purple and gold made 11 of their 12 free throws in the third. The score was 73-50 heading into the final frame. 

The fourth quarter saw Laurier's offensive outburst continue. They shot an incredible 62% from the field in the second half, outscoring their opponent 50-32.  

When all was said and done, Justin Malnerich was the leader on the scoresheet for Laurier with 21 points. What makes Malnerich's performance one to remember was that he did it on only seven of ten shooting, making six of nine from three-point range. 

With the win, Laurier improves to 9-6 on the season, good for ninth in the OUA and second in the OUA West. York, meanwhile, falls to 3-10. 

Top Performers 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

Laurier fans might have experienced deja vue while watching Taye Donald and Ethan Passley put on a clinic in this game. The second-year point guards seem to get better with every game since the holiday break, and their poise and maturity with the ball has the offence running like a well-oiled machine. 

Donald scored 19 points in this one while making an impact at the other end with seven defensive rebounds and two steals. Passley meanwhile, scored 20 points on 54% shooting while also tallying a game-high five assists.  

York Lions 

Somto Dimanochie had a characteristically dominant performance even in what ended up being a losing effort. The fourth-year forward led the Lions with 21 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 63% from the field. 

Up Next

The Golden Hawks are back on the road Friday, January 27 when they'll renew their rivalry with the McMaster Marauders (8-6). Follow @WLUAthletics for live updates and catch all the action on OUA.tv.