On paper, it has the recipe to be a classic. The #4 seeded Western Mustangs taking on the #5 Ottawa Gee-Gees at the 2009 CIS Final 8 men’s basketball national tournament.
The Mustangs take on the Gee-Gees Friday night (6 p.m.) at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. It is likely the winner of this game will face the heavily favoured Carleton Ravens, who’ll face St. FX in the late game. Carleton has only lost once in the 2008-09 regular season and playoffs – a road loss on the opening day in Windsor.
Western head coach Bradley Campbell said he knows the Gee-Gees will be a tough test.
“We have a tough road ahead, but we’re up to the challenge,” says Campbell. “Playing Ottawa, we face a very good team, and in their own back yard, which is basically a home game for them.”
Campbell adds he expects the Ottawa game to be “a physical type battle where every possession is going to be crucial.”
“It will probably be low scoring,” he says. “Both teams defend well.”
The game can be seen live on national television on The Score (channel 54 in London) and heard on the radio at 94.9 FM CHRW, the official voice of the Western Mustangs for over 25 years. They will be streaming the audio webcast.
Closer to home, the men’s hockey team are chomping at the bit to face-off against the McGill Redmen for one game battle for the Queen’s Cup. The teams hit the ice this Saturday night (Mar. 14) at Thompson Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m.
“There aren’t many opportunities in an athlete’s career when they get to play a game with the trophy in the building,” said Western’s head coach Clarke Singer.
“We’re very excited about the nationals, but the focus from here until Saturday is on winning the Queen’s Cup.”
Both teams are 6-1 in the playoffs, and have already guaranteed themselves a trip to the national championships in Thunder Bay, Ont. This game will affect each team’s seed in the tournament, and will provide the winner with a boost of confidence heading into the nationals.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for youths and seniors. Students wearing purple can gain admission for $5, and groups are encouraged to call 519-661-4077.
Fans can also see the game live via westernmustangs.ca, or on tape delay on Rogers 13, Sunday, Mar. 15 at 2 p.m and 8 p.m.
The Mustangs track and field team will also be in Windsor March 12-14 for the 2009 CIS Indoor Track & Field Championships.