Vikes defeat Dinos for first U Sports men’s basketball title in 28 years

Renoldo Robinson (6'3''-G) had 24 points and nine rebounds as the University of Victoria Vikes defeated the Calgary Dinos 82-53 on Sunday to win their U Sports men's basketball title in 28 years. The fourth-seeded Vikes also gained some revenge for a 77-68 loss to Calgary in last month’s Canada West semifinal. Robinson, a six-foot-three guard from Montreal, also had one assist and was named Victoria's player of the game. In the fourth quarter he made a highlight-reel play, snagging a ball, weaving through defenders, then scoring on a layup. Geoffrey James scored 17 points, including three three-pointers. Ethan Boag (6'9''-F) added 12 points while Shadynn Smid (6'7''-F) had 11 points and a game-high 17 rebounds. Victoria was playing without star player Diego Maffia (6'1''-G-2001, college: Victoria), its all-time scoring leader, who suffered a knee injury in January. Victoria built a comfortable 40-23 lead at half time, hitting 17 of its 43 baskets. Calgary’s Nate Petrone (6'2''-G), named the U Sports men’s basketball player of the year earlier in the week after leading the country with 484 points in 20 games, was held off the scoresheet until a free throw in the second quarter. Petrone finished the game with 10 points. Alan Spoonhunter (6'5''-G) led the Dinos with 20 points while Dylan Lutes (6'6''-F) had 15 rebounds. Victoria advanced to the final with a 89-75 upset over the top-seeded Ottawa Gee-Gees on Friday. Calgary, seeded second in the tournament, defeated the University of P.E.I. Panthers 87-54 in the other semifinal final. Earlier on Sunday, Ottawa beat P.E.I. 86-70 to take the bronze medal. The Vikes were playing in their first national championship game since 2006, when they lost to Carleton. Victoria last won the title in 1997 with a win over McMaster. Calgary won the title in 2018 then lost to Carleton in the 2019 final.
Courtesy of: tsn.ca