Men’s Squad Secures Thrilling Last-Second Victory

The UQAM Citadins men’s basketball team launched their 2025-2026 campaign with a nail-biting 66-62 triumph over the Concordia University Stingers on November 6th at the Sports Center. In a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Citadins snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying seconds.

With the score knotted and the clock ticking down, winger ahmed Sékou Bah delivered the decisive blow, sinking a clutch three-pointer with just five seconds remaining to seal the win.This dramatic finish underscored the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure,a trait reminiscent of championship-caliber squads.

Leading the charge offensively were veterans Jean McFadden and Léo Verville, who poured in 14 and 13 points, respectively. Head Coach Mario Joseph, whose team has captured two consecutive provincial titles in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, expressed confidence despite the tight scoreline.

“The game was close from start to finish, but I always felt like we had control of the game,” Joseph commented. “In the next few games, we’ll have to do a better job of limiting the opponent to just one shot per possession.”

Mario Joseph, Head Coach, UQAM Citadins men’s Basketball

After a challenging 2024-2025 season where UQAM finished third in the standings with a 5-11 record, the men’s team is clearly aiming to reclaim their dominant form. Coach Joseph’s vision for the season is clear: competitiveness and playoff contention.

“Our goal is to be competitive every night and position ourselves well for the playoffs,” Joseph stated. “If we stay healthy, keep progressing and perform at the right time, anything can happen.” This sentiment echoes the aspirations of many teams looking to peak at the opportune moment, much like a well-coached NFL team making a late-season push for the Super Bowl.

women’s Team Builds Foundation Despite Tough Loss

on the women’s side,the Citadins faced a formidable opponent in the Stingers,who showcased a potent offensive attack. While the scoreboard didn’t favor UQAM in their season opener,the team demonstrated notable promise and a strong sense of unity.

Despite the defeat, captain Alice Allard and key player Rania Oubibette led the Citadins with eight points each, highlighting their leadership and offensive contributions. Head Coach Gerry Neree emphasized the invaluable impact of the home crowd’s energy.

“I really enjoyed the crowd’s support for our team and their enthusiasm for each basket they scored,” Neree saeid. “It helps a lot, especially a young team like ours.”

Gerry Neree, Head Coach, UQAM Citadins Women’s Basketball

Beyond the final score, Coach Neree was particularly impressed by the team’s commitment and solidarity. The collective energy radiating from the players on the court and the bench was palpable, signaling a positive team culture in development.

“This match marks the start of a long process,” Neree explained. “We are building a culture where surpassing oneself, commitment and respect for the process take precedence over immediate results.” This philosophy aligns with the long-term development strategies seen in successful collegiate programs across the U.S., where building a lasting culture is as crucial as winning individual games.

Areas for Further Investigation:

• How will the Citadins’ defensive adjustments, particularly regarding limiting second-chance points, impact their upcoming games?
• What specific player development strategies is Coach Neree implementing to foster the growth of his young women’s team?
• Can the men’s team maintain their championship pedigree and overcome the challenges of a competitive provincial league this season?