The Concordia University Stingers and Bishop's University Gaiters played earlier this morning in the men’s basketball national consolation semifinal at War Memorial Gym. In the tight game, the Stingers came out on top with a 81–66 victory, securing a seat in tomorrow's fifth place game.
Last night, the Gaiters and the Stingers lost to the Vikes and the Gee-Gees, respectively, moving into the consolation bracket. The last time these teams met was the RSEQ championship where Bishops defeated Concordia, 75–61.
“I think ... any time we get a chance to compete on the floor, it's special for us, but against Bishop’s especially because again the matchup this year was us and them in our league,” Concordia’s lead assistant coach Aleks Mitrovic said in an interview with The Ubyssey.
Stinger Karam Sahly scored the opening baskets with an and-one play in the first minute for an early lead. Bishops quickly answered with a three-pointer by Obinna Dike. Concordia took the lead again until Bishop’s tied it up again at 17, before dropping again for Concordia to end the period with a 23–17 lead.
The pace picked up in the second quarter, and Concordia widened their lead. Gaiter Étienne Gagnon finally grabbed a lead under the last three minutes of the second period with a jump shot, making it a two-point game. But the Gaiters didn’t maintain their lead. The teams traded baskets to keep the score tight and Concordia finished the first half with a one-point lead, 40–37.
In the first half, Bishop’s led offensively, attempting 37 field goals, compared to Concordia’s 24, yet struggled to find the basket, making only 35 per cent. The Stingers capitalized on their opportunities, hitting 50 per cent of attempts.
In the third, Bishop’s Zach John made his way for a layup but Stinger Gabriel Bourdages denied it with a massive block. Alec Phaneuf grabbed the defensive board, assisting Jaheem Joseph’s three-pointer, making the score 51–44, and showcasing Concordia's full-court abilities.
Despite Bishop’s being quick on their feet, and securing 12 offensive rebounds, compared to 4 of the Stingers, they headed into the fourth down by 6 points.
Concordia quickly extended their lead to 60 with another three. Compounding Bishop's trouble, Phaneuf stole the ball in Concordia's zone, and had a breakaway and layup, extending the lead to 62–51.
Gaiters were down 14 with 7 minutes to go, hoping to turn things around, but Concordia continued to dominate, extending their lead again. Concordia’s ability to make their baskets set them apart and Bishop's field goal percentage dropped to 31.5, despite 17 field goal opportunities in the fourth.
In the final minute, Joseph made another three-pointer, adding momentum for a dominant 81–66 win over the RSEQ champions.
“It’s uplifting for all of our guys, but especially our seniors who get to play one more day,” said Mitrovic. “I know how important it is to get these experiences at nationals, especially somewhere so far away from home.”
Concordia will go on to play the winner of the UBC-Queen's match for fifth place tomorrow at 1 p.m. in War Memorial Gym.
This article is part of our 2025 Final 8 coverage. Follow us at @UbysseySports on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, as well as @theubyssey on TikTok, to follow our U Sports basketball coverage starting March 12.
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