Stingers take RSEQ title with 77-47 win over UQAM
The Concordia Stingers defeated the UQAM Citadins 77-47 to win their second consecutive RSEQ men's basketball championship and a berth at the CIS national championship in Halifax March 9-11.
Concordia was in control from start to finish, but no single player dominated the game.
"Defence wins championships and that's how we won tonight," said 3rd-year guard Kyle Desmarais. "Coach (John Dore) had us start pressing from the beginning. We were tough, we were physical and that's how we won tonight."
Desmarais led the Stingers in scoring with 13 points and five assists. RSEQ MVP Evens Laroche collected 11 points and nine rebounds, while fifth-year guard Decee Krah was good for 10 points, five rebounds and six steals.
Concordia had 16 steals and forced UQAM to turn over the ball 24 times. The Stingers also out rebounded the Citadins 51 to 35.
The top scorer in the game was UQAM's Alexandre Bernard with 16 points.
Concordia was up 21-14 after the first quarter and 33-20 by halftime.
This is the 20th conference title for the Stingers since Concordia University was formed 37 years ago. It is also the 13th regional title for the team since head coach John Dore took over the program in the 1989-90 season.
Now the team eagerly awaits the seedings for the national championship tournament that will be announced Sunday night.
"We're a year older and wiser," Desmarais said. "Last year we were a little in awe when we got to Halifax. This year we know what to expect and we will be ready for it."
