Panthers fall to Gee-Gees in bronze medal clash
The Ottawa Gee-Gees secured the bronze medal at the 2025 INDOCHINO U SPORTS Men's Basketball Championship with an 86-70 victory over the UPEI Panthers on Sunday at War Memorial Gymnasium.
March 16, 2025
The Ottawa Gee-Gees secured the bronze medal at the 2025 INDOCHINO U SPORTS Men's Basketball Championship with an 86-70 victory over the UPEI Panthers on Sunday at War Memorial Gymnasium.
Ottawa's balanced attack and strong second-half performance proved decisive in the win as they captured the national bronze medal for the third straight year.
UPEI started strong, leading 16-14 after the first quarter, but Ottawa took control in the second, outscoring the Panthers 27-18 to take a 41-34 halftime lead. Justin Ndjock-Tadjore led the Gee-Gees with 25 points, while Brock Newton added 22 points and five rebounds. Ottawa's defense also shined, forcing 16 turnovers and holding UPEI to 44.8 per cent shooting from the field.
The Panthers, led by Kamari Scott's 21 points and Daniel Gonzalez Longarela's 16 points and nine rebounds, kept the game close in the third quarter, but Ottawa pulled away in the final frame. The Gee-Gees shot 42.1 per cent from the field and dominated the boards, outrebounding UPEI 47-40.
Ottawa's depth was key, with 17 assists and contributions from multiple players, including Dragan Stajic, who dished out eight assists. UPEI struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 9.1% on 3-pointers, which ultimately hindered their comeback efforts.
The Gee-Gees close the season with a 29-6 record and the fourth overall national bronze medal. UPEI finishes at 23-11, capping a season that saw them post their best ever finish at the Final 8.
RECAP COURTESY: U SPORTS