This article first appearing on RyersonRams.ca on September 7, 2012
by: Ryan McKenna
TORONTO – Early and often was the theme for the Ryerson Rams men’s basketball team tonight as they defeated the Dawson College Blues 99-42 during the grand opening weekend festivities at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
The game, which was played at Coca-Cola Court, was the Rams third exhibition game this season.
The Rams dominated the first quarter, capped by a huge two-handed dunk by Ryerson’s 2011-12 male rookie of the year, Aaron Best (Scarborough, Ont.). At the end of the quarter, the Rams led 26-7.
The second quarter had much of the same from the Rams. A Bjorn Michaelsen(Otterburn Park, Que.) slam dunk made it 33-9, and by the time Dawson called their first timeout of the quarter, the score was 44-13 in favour of the Rams.
At half-time, Ryerson was on top 50-18.
The second half was much like the first. Michaelsen threw down another huge dunk at 7:54 in the third quarter to put the Rams on top 57-20 and the squad never looked back.
Michaelsen, who ended the night with 13 points in 19 minutes of play, says that Coca-Cola Court is starting to feel more like a new home with every game. “We’ve had a couple of practices, and we’re starting to feel more comfortable with our surroundings,” said Michaelsen.
Nem Stankovic (Toronto) led Ryerson offensively with a double-double, recording 16 points and collected 14 rebounds.
Patrick Tatham, assistant coach and director of basketball operations liked the way his team played this evening. “No complaints at all tonight, defensively we looked good and we’re happy with it (the performance),” said Tatham.
During half-time of the exhibition match-up, a new time capsule was unveiled to be placed in the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The new time capsule is much like the one that Conn Smythe planted back in 1931, which was discovered during renovations to the building back in early 2012. Some of the items that have been included in the new box are a Ryerson Rams team jersey, the puck that was dropped by Stephen Harper at the unveiling of the new athletic facility, and photographs of this evening’s tip-off at the Coca-Cola Court, amongst other items.
The Rams next take the court on September 30 when they host their annual alumni game. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.