OTTAWA (Jan. 19, 2025) - The Carleton Ravens got back in the win column with a pair of wins on the road over the weekend. On Friday, the Ravens battled from behind to beat a very tough Nipissing team before coming away with a convincing win on Saturday at Laurentian.
The Ravens trailed by seven at the half in North Bay on Friday night after a slow start shooting. Alex Blackmore's fourteen points, including three triples, in the first half helped put Nipissing ahead. Despite 17 first-half points from Xavier Spencer, the Ravens found themselves in a whole.
Carleton chipped away at the lead quickly to start the third with Daniel Smith nailing a pair of threes to close the gap. Nipissing would extend the lead back to seven before the midway point of the quarter before the Ravens came alive. Xavier Spencer and Aubrey Dorey-Havens led the charge with a late Dorey-Havens layup putting Carleton up two heading into the final quarter.
Carleton would never surrender the lead in the fourth, though Nipissing fought back to make it a two-point game. Three made free throws followed by a three-ball all from Dorey Havens was enough to extend the Carleton lead and secure the victory.
It was a more secure victory on Saturday night for the Ravens. Despite a hostile home crowd, Carleton went to work quickly and led after ten minutes. Then, in the second quarter, Carleton pulled well ahead as MJ Okado had 12 points - equal to the Voyageurs team total - to put Carleton up 11 at the break.
Despite only shooting 20.8% from the field in the third quarter, Carleton went a perfect 5-5 at the line to add nine more points to the lead. Stellar defensive play, which kept Laurentian to just two field goals was key to the Ravens success.
Despite solid pushback from Laurentian, the Ravens held on for the 16 point victory bringing home a 70-54 win.
The Ravens will now welcome Nipissing and Laurentian to the Nest this weekend.
