It’s only fitting the OUA West Final is to be decided by two teams with a score to settle.
After splitting the season series in 2008-09, the Windsor Lancers and Western Mustangs will duel Wednesday at Alumni Hall for the only guaranteed spot in the CIS National Championships out of the OUA West Division.
Both teams are nationally ranked. Both teams have knocked off top teams in the nation – Western beat Ottawa and Windsor beat Carleton. Both teams have the potential to win the OUA and CIS title in a year when four OUA teams remain in the CIS Top 10 rankings.
The loser of the Western-Windsor showdown has another viable shot at qualifying for the eight-team national tournament. But neither team wants to leave qualifying to chance.
With Carleton hosting the CIS Nationals March 13-15 at the Scotiabank Place for the second of a three-year contract, the nationally No. 1-ranked Ravens are an automatic berth in the tournament. If they win the OUA East title in a game over Ottawa on March 4 at the Ravens Nest, a third-place game will determine the host’s spot in the tournament.
The No. 4 ranked Mustangs defeated Windsor in the last meeting, 90-76, outscoring the Lancers in the second, third and fourth quarters after a slow start.
The Lancers are ranked No. 8 in the CIS Top Ten and demolished McMaster 71-48 in the OUA West semifinal at the St. Denis Centre on Feb. 28. Windsor placed second in the OUA West standings with a 15-7 record.
In Windsor’s season opener, they upset the No. 1 ranked Carleton squad 80-68. Western nearly handed Carleton a loss the next night, but couldn’t get out of a hole they dug in the first half and lost 79-74.
Windsor has played Western twice this season. In the first meeting on Jan. 21, the Lancers defeated the Mustangs, 77-68 at the St. Denis Centre. Western’s cold shooting cost them the game.
The season series was split on Feb. 18 when Western defeated Windsor 90-76, ending the Lancers’ five-game winning streak.
Both teams knew the importance of home-court advantage at the start of the season, giving significant meaning to the 22-game schedule.
“Home court advantage is critical. It’s the reason why we play the regular season,” said head coach Bradley Campbell. “There is no added pressure at all, it’s better to be at home.”
Campbell knows his squad is focused on winning their second straight OUA West banner.
“Winning the OUA West is an outstanding accomplishment and is the only sure way to qualify for the national championships,” he said. “The (playoff) game against Windsor will be very physical and every possession will be crucial.”
Tickets for OUA West Final
Tickets for the OUA West Final, to be played on Wednesday March 4 at 7 p.m. at Alumni Hall, are on sale now – $10 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and youth. To order in advance, call 519 661.4077
Broadcast of OUA West Final
Rogers TV, Cable 13 in London is once again to carry the Western Mustangs basketball team. Catch the action as Russ Courtney, play by play, and “Coach” Kevin Gordon, colour commentator, bring the action LIVE from Alumni Hall.
The game will also be available on a live stream via the LIVE GAME DAY VIDEO link at www.westernmustangs.ca – the broadcast will be available at 7 p.m.