WEEKEND RECAP: Gee-Gees split home preseason double-header with Bishop’s and McGill

The Gee-Gees men's basketball team closed their preseason slate with a 8-1 record following a win over McGill and a loss to Bishop's over the weekend. 

On Friday, the Gee-Gees faced a high-energy Bishop's team that was particularity hot from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of their 25 three-pointers. The Gee-Gees battled throughout, but were unable to overcome a sizeable third quarter lead and the Gaiters sealed a 78-64 victory at Montpetit Hall. 

Second-year forward Guillaume Pépin finished with 21 points on the night hitting 9-10 free throws, and Calvin Epistola had 19 points. 

On Saturday, the team responded well, downing McGill by a final score of 93-62. The Gee-Gees hit 14 three-pointers, went 17-20 from the line, and won the rebound margin with a 55-41 final tally. 

Epistola was sensational in the game, scoring 11 consecutive points for the Gee-Gees to start the fourth quarter. The Toronto native had 24 points in 27 minutes, hitting six threes throughout.

Second-year guard Kevin Civil was also hot from three, hitting five en route to a 21-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance. Pépin rounded out Gee-Gees in double-figures as he finished with 15 points and six rebounds.

Marlon Kordrostami contributed heavily to the team's offensive effort, finishing with six offensive rebounds and 10 overall, while contributing seven points.

"In the second half we woke up," said Gee-Gees head coach James Derouin following the McGill game.

"The defence and rebounding were still there, but we were able to find the range we needed, led by Calvin in the second half, Kevin gave us a nice lift, and Guillaume. It was a special second half and it was good to see us break out of that slump. It was good for the team, a good win."

Epistola, who had a 43-point weekend, has established himself as one of the premiere offensive threats in the OUA and will look to continue to be a player to watch this season.

"We figured it out in the second half, we just can't fall behind in the first half," said Epistola. "I think at this point, we know we're doing well, but that we have to keep getting better." 

The Gee-Gees will kick off their 2019-20 regular season schedule at home against Laurier and Waterloo next Friday and Saturday. Stay tuned for a full season preview in the coming days.