OUA Playoff Preview: David Tyndale in Final Run, McMaster Clashes with Waterloo + more!

Heading into this year’s OUA playoffs you can make a case for a handful of teams walking away with the Wilson Cup. The OUA playoffs last year saw a young Ryerson Rams upset Lakehead University in the semi-finals earning themselves a spot in the CIS Final 8.

This time the Rams will have an opportunity to possibly host a semi-final and finals game as the OUA Wilson Cup will be handed out at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on March 1 and 2.

6 York @ 3 Ryerson

For the Rams to cash in on that opportunity they will have to first get past their first round opponents, the York Lions. The point guard battle will be the marquee tilt, as fifth year senior David Tyndale (ranked 38 in NPH top 50) who will be entering his final post-season run in the red and white of the Lions, will go up against one of the nation’s most exciting players in Ryerson point guard Jamal Jones (ranked 6 in NPH top 50).

While Tyndale and Jones will be key cogs in their team’s success, the X-factor could come in the form of Aaron Best. In the two regular season meetings between the Lions and Rams, Best averaged a double-double of 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. If the Lions can limit Best’ production they may put themselves in position to pull off the upset and extend Tyndale’s CIS career.

6 Waterloo @ 3 McMaster

The Marauders finished the season winning six of their last seven games, playing their best basketball of the season. The emergence of 6’8 Nathan McCarthy has given Mac a viable option down low, and with Adam Presuiti back to full strength the Marauders will have all hands on deck for a strong playoff push.

Waterloo is the most unexpected team in the OUA to make the playoffs. The very young squad led by Head Coach Greg Francis will be in tough heading on the road for an upset attempt. However, history is on the Warriors side as they are 11-3 in playoff games against the Marauders. This game might be more competitive than people think.

Other OUA 1st round games

5 Brock @ 4 Laurier 7 P.M. EST

5 Queen’s @ 4 Laurentian 8 P.M. EST

Tickets to the 2013 OUA Men’s final four Friday March 1, Saturday March 2 are available RIGHT HERE