Ryerson Puts Undefeated Home Record on the Line Against Ottawa
Jahmal Jones is the fastest point guard in the country, and he is the engine that runs the lambo, that is the Ryerson Rams.
The make up of this team has all the pieces at each position to keep defenses backpeddling.
In round one of the CIS Final 8, the run n’ gun Rams (#7 seed) defeated #2 Windsor, 82-68, with Jones leading the way–20 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals.
But don’t call it an upset.
If you take a look at Ryerson’s resume this season against CIS competition, the Rams are 27-4–good for the third best record in the country, behind only Ottawa and Carleton.
Note: Ryerson is 17-0 at home
Also, when you talk about this Ryerson team, don’t forget about the contributions that Adika Peter-McNeily brings to the table.
APM, as I will call him, registered a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds on an efficient 7/12 from the field.
“Adika is a special one, he doesn’t get the credit that he should,” Jones told a collection of media in the post game. “His game is very savy, old man game, doesn’t do anything out of his comfort zone.”
In addition, Peter-McNeilly brings a swagger and confidence to the team–he has a personality to him that you can see spilling all over the floor, when he makes big buckets.
That said, it all starts with Jones pushing tempo and keeping defenders on their toes.
“We’re certainly a transition team, speed is one of our advantages, we get out and run at every opportunity,” explained Rams Head Coach Roy Rana.
On Jones, Rana says, “we want him to be agressive we want him to attack, we have to take his agressiveness [and use it to advantage].
With the victory over the Lancers, Ryerson matches up against the Ottawa Gee-Gees.
The Rams have proven to be the third-best team in the country, as their only four losses come at the hands of #1 and #2–Carleton and Ottawa (seeding aside).
The team has made steady progress with their first two losses being blowouts (93-64, 91-73), and the last two tightening up (84-80, 79-66)
Opportunity awaits Ryerson, as they put their undefeated home record on the line against the Ottawa Gee-Gees, fresh off a battle with Bishops.
Which player is Jahmal Jones most looking forward to match up against?
Caleb Agada, otherwise known as arguably the top perimeter defender in the country.
“He’s very quick and stays in front..I just got to be agressive and wear him down a bit,” said Jones.
The mood at the Mattamy Athletic Centre has been different than usual. Coach Rana said he’s been pleased with the playing environment after day one.
“You can feel the buzz.”
Top Performers
Ryerson
- Jahmal Jones – 20 pts, 4rbs, 5ast,5stls (5 TOs)
- Adika Peter-McNeily – 19 pts, 10rbs (7/12 FG)
Windsor
- Khaled Abdel-Gabar – 20 pts, 2rbs, 4ast
- Alex Campbell – 17 pts, 7 rbs, 3ast, 2 stls
