Edmonton – Carlton Ravens defended their U-Sports men’s basketball crown with a win in Sunday’s championship game.
Third-year guard Aiden Warnholtz had 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to give the Saskatchewan Huskies an 85-72 lead over the Ravens.
The Ravens have now won three consecutive titles since 2003 and have won 16 overall.
Lloyd Pandy had 16 assists and 13 rebounds and added 15 points for Alain Louis Carleton.
“It means more,” said Louis, who is known as the tournament MVP. “They put us at number 7, and it gave us extra fuel. I’m really proud of you guys. We have fought hard for this.
“We played Carleton basketball. Everyone has a role to play, and I’m very proud of this team. ”
Alexander Dewayer made a game-high 27 points after losing to eighth-seeded Huskies, who saw their impossible run in a championship come to an end.
Saskatchewan was looking for its first title since 2010.
The Huskies led early in the first quarter before the Ravens took control of the game in the second quarter. Carleton was 45-31 at half time and 65-46 after three quarters.
The Ravens started the third quarter 18-0.
“We fell down early and had to fight back,” said Ravens head coach Taffe Charles. “And I think it woke up our boys a bit. The Huskies played a game and they fought tonight.”