By Mike Still
The 2016-17 edition of the men’s basketball made history this season, becoming the first to capture a medal at nationals, after a third-place finish on home court. In the process, they also defended their conference title for a third consecutive year – a feat accomplished just three times previously in the history of AUS men’s basketball.
Guided by fourth-year head coach Rick Plato, the Tigers enjoyed tremendous success, going 16-4 in the regular season, which included winning their last eight-straight conference games.
Fifth-year co-captains Kashrell Lawrence and Ritchie Kanza Mata led the way on both ends of the court and were acknowledged for their efforts with AUS first team all-star selections. Kanza Mata was also named the AUS defensive player of the year, while Lawrence was selected as both the AUS and U SPORTS community service award winner.
Already guaranteed a birth at nationals as host, the No. 1 seeded Tigers held nothing back in the AUS playoffs, defeating Acadia and Saint Mary’s en route to the conference banner. The squad showed their resolve in both contests, coming back from four points down in the final 30 seconds against the Axemen, as well as a 10-point half time deficit against the Huskies.
Dal was seeded fifth at nationals, and faced off against the fourth-seeded Alberta Golden Bears in the quarter-final round. The Tigers would come out on top 67-65 in a back and forth battle, thanks to a game-winning layup from tournament all-star Lawrence with 1.4 seconds to play.
Next up for the Tigers was the top-seeded Ryerson Rams. In yet another instant classic, Dalhousie would fall 59-58, after a last-second three-pointer fell just short.
The hosts would finish the tournament off in style, capturing the bronze medal 69-63 over the No. 3 seeded McGill Redmen. Dalhousie was led by fourth-year sharpshooter Sven Stammberger, who had 20 points.
“To say that I was very proud does not do justice to the way I feel about our players, especially our seniors,” says head coach Rick Plato. “For them to go out as bronze medallists at the national tournament, in their very last career game was special.”
For Lawrence, and fellow impact fifth-years Kanza Mata and Jarred Reid, the bronze medal win marked the culmination of their tremendous U SPORTS careers. Kanza Mata also broke the all-time AUS regular season career assists record in the process, with 605.
“Kash, Ritchie and Jarred have been the backbone of the team since I arrived here four years ago. It certainly will be different without them, but they have set the standard,” says Plato.
“All three are humble, thoughtful, caring, polite, positive and great teammates. They are responsible for the tremendous team chemistry on this team and the success that we have enjoyed the past three years. Each is unique in their own way, but never, have they ever put selfish concerns before the interests of the team.”