WATERLOO, Ont. - After opening the new year with an upset victory over the #2 Ottawa Gee-Gees on Friday, the Golden Hawks were looking to carry that momentum into Saturday night's meeting with the #1 Carleton Ravens. 

Though the Ravens held the lead for most of the game, Laurier was rapping on the door right until the end of the third. A big fourth quarter from the defending national champions proved to be the difference, as Carleton would come away with the win, 92-80. 

The Ravens were characteristically dominant to begin the game, going on an 11-3 run in the first two minutes. The Golden Hawks were able to respond, however, shooting 61% in the opening frame, including 55% from three-point range, to take a 29-25 lead into the second quarter. 

Carleton tightened up defensively in the second quarter and was able to grind their way back into the lead. They outrebounded Laurier 42-29 throughout the game, and this dominance on the glass was most evident in the second quarter, in which they grabbed 15 boards to Laurier's six. The score showed 44-41 Ravens at halftime. 

The third quarter saw Benhur Gebrekidan continue his hot shooting streak. He followed up Friday's career-high 19 points with another 15 in this game, eight of which came in the third. The Golden Hawks managed to cut the lead to 65-63 heading into the final frame. 

The purple and gold have typically played their best basketball in the fourth quarter so far this season, but in this one it was the Ravens who managed to fly higher, outscoring Laurier 27-17 to secure the victory. 

With the loss, the Golden Hawks fall to 7-5 on the season, but their performance against the two top-ranked teams in the country this weekend offers plenty of reasons to be optimistic moving forward. Carleton, meanwhile, improved to 9-2. 

TOP PERFORMERS 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

It was another great all-around performance for second-year point guard Ethan Passley. Despite not starting the game, he led the team with 38 minutes played. He scored a game-high 23 points while also collecting five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. 

Carleton Ravens 

Carleton's performance on the boards was led by fifth-year pivot Grant Shephard's game-high 16 rebounds. He also scored 19 points on 60% shooting. 

UP NEXT 

The Golden Hawks will have another tough pair of games next week, starting with the OUA West division-leading Windsor Lancers. They'll make the drive up the 401 for a Wednesday night meeting with Laurier at 8 p.m. at the Athletic Complex. Tickets are on sale now.