Heads held high as Eagles season comes to an end
A pair of losses for UTM basketball brings another season to a close.
Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams were in action on Sunday, March 2, playing in the Tri-Campus League semi-finals – one win away from getting back to the championship game.
In what has been an up and down year for both the men’s and women’s teams, the chance to change the narrative with a championship berth had shifted the energy amongst the players.
Comeback falls short as men’s team faces defeat
The men’s team faced off against rivals University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), where playoff history is nothing new. Having played each other in each of the last three post seasons, it felt poetic for them to face off yet again. Having lost by only one point against Scarborough last year, the Eagles were looking to right their wrongs and get their revenge.
In what was a slow start for the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), the Eagles found themselves down double-digits early, but continued showing tremendous fight. Some big plays offensively from guard Mene Eruotor helped keep the Eagles within reach. Still down double-digits, the Eagles needed one last spark. In a comeback energized by forward Daekwan Michael, who led the team with 18 points, the Eagles erased a 13 point lead late in the fourth.
With less than a minute to go, senior guard Evan Mowder, hit a big three pointer out of a timeout to cut the lead to one possession with less than a minute to go. Unfortunately, that is as close as they came, ultimately coming up four points short and marking an end to the 2024-25 season.
“It was very emotional after the game,” Mowder said. “With multiple graduating players, this was the last time a lot of us will get to wear the Eagle on our chest, and that’s a tough thing to swallow.”
Finishing the season with a 12-6 record including two OCR Tournament Championships, there is still lots to be proud of for the men’s squad.
Women’s Team Falls Short Against Top Seeded Blue
The women’s team traveled downtown to take on the top seeded St. George Blue. In what was going to be a tough fight, the girls didn’t shy away from the challenge.
Starting the game strong, the Eagles only found themselves down four after the first quarter. They found early success from guard Melinda De, who contributed 10 points, who helped keep the game within reach despite the strong play from Blue.
The pressure mounted, and as Blue began to extend the lead, the Eagles struggled to gain momentum. Despite 12 points from guard Fathema Shaikh and a big 13 points and 10 rebounds double-double from forward Kaitlin Parsons, Blue held their ground. Fighting till the end and never giving up, the girls showed their resilience and strength despite the loss.
Shaikh reflected after the game, noting it was her last for UTM. “I can’t believe it’ll be the last time representing my school,” she said. “Definitely a bittersweet moment, but I will cherish the memories forever.”
Despite the challenges the girls faced this year, there is nothing to hang their heads about. Winning an OCR Championship and playing with almost a brand-new team from last year, their resilience and dedication was on full display every week.
A special shout-out to the coaches of both teams for all their hard work this past season: nothing would be possible without them. As well as the graduating seniors for all their efforts over the course of their careers. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.
Congratulations to both teams on a great season.
