CALGARY, Alberta – The Bishop’s Gaiters are heading to the U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Championship final for the first time since 1998, securing a thrilling 66-65 victory over the defending champion Victoria Vikes on Saturday night in Calgary. The win avenges a loss to the Vikes in the opening round of last year’s national tournament.
The No. 5 seeded Gaiters will face the No. 1 ranked Carleton Ravens in Sunday’s championship game. This marks a significant achievement for Bishop’s, who received an at-large invitation to the eight-team tournament after finishing first in the country during the regular season.
Charles Robert led the Gaiters with 17 points, while Zach John added 14 and Étienne Gagnon contributed 10. Tiernan McDougall, coming off the bench, was named Player of the Game, grabbing five defensive rebounds, scoring seven points, and dishing out two assists. Yanis Malanda (13 rebounds) and Gagnon (10 rebounds) were dominant on the glass for Bishop’s.
Bishop’s took their first lead of the game midway through the second quarter and maintained it heading into halftime, leading 35-34. The Gaiters built on that momentum, establishing a strong presence in the third quarter, outscoring the Vikes 24-16 to extend their lead to 59-50.
The Gaiters’ defense, spearheaded by Gagnon, who was named the Quebec and Canadian Defensive Player of the Year, effectively contained Victoria’s Renoldo Robinson. Robinson was held scoreless in the first half and finished the game with 13 points.
With a 66-65 lead in the closing seconds, the Gaiters’ defense forced Robinson to attempt a long three-pointer, which missed, sealing the victory for Bishop’s. The Gaiters had strong support from their fans in attendance.
This championship appearance also represents a measure of redemption for Bishop’s, who lost to the Laval Rouge et Or in the RSEQ provincial final just a week ago.
The U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Championship is the culmination of the Canadian university basketball season, bringing together the top eight teams from across the country. The Gaiters’ journey to the final is particularly noteworthy, given their status as a No. 5 seed.
The Gaiters and Ravens will tip off on Sunday, with the championship title on the line. Further details regarding broadcast information and start times will be released by U SPORTS.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Championship and the Bishop’s Gaiters’ pursuit of their first national title since 1998.
