The Carleton Ravens men's basketball team is back in action this weekend when they host OUA action for just the second time this season. The Ravens' winter openers as presented by DoorDash see Ontario Tech and Queen's come to town Friday and Saturday night.
On Friday night, the 7-2 Ridgebacks come to town looking to chase down uOttawa and Queen's for top spot in the East Division. The Ridgebacks are having a fantastic season, led in part by impressive team defense which has held opponents to just 72.1 points. Individually, Ayub Nurhussien leads the Ridgebacks with 113 points while Zubair Seyed has shot over 52% on the season including 37.5% from beyond the arc.
On Saturday, the Ravens will face a more familiar foe when the Queen's Gaels arrive at the Ravens' Nest. The Gaels, also 7-2, continue to be led offensively by Luka Syllas though guard Fofo Adetogun has quickly made an impact scoring 93 points in the first half. Carleton last faced the Gaels in the OUA semifinals last season when Carleton ousted the visitors 93-86.
For Carleton, it's been a changing of the guard in the first half. With the departure of Aiden Warnholtz and Connor Vreeken to professional basketball, Carleton has been led by rookie Xavier Spencer and his 147 points. Veteran transfer Noah Horobetz Simpson has been a big factor inside for Carleton leading the OUA in shooting percentage while also leading the league in rebounds. The Winnipeg centre has also averaged over a block a game through the team's opening ten games.
The men's team will tip off at 8:00 p.m. each night following the women's teams in action. Tickets for both games are on sale now at GoRavens.ca/tickets.
