(London Ontario) – On Saturday afternoon, the Falcon's Men's Basketball team (0-4) lost a nail biter to Redeemer (2-2) 87-84. The game was highlighted by an impressive performance by first-year guard Tyrease Phouttharath (Centralia, ON) who broke a Fanshawe Men's Basketball single game record with nine steals, previously held by Kyle McConnell who had six.

The Birds looked to push the pace early, scoring their first four buckets on the fast break. Fanshawe was pounding the paint, but Redeemer's hot three-point shooting (3/5) had the Falcons trailing 24-18 after the first quarter.

Fanshawe's defensive intensity was evident, led by Phouttharath, who recorded seven of his nine steals in the first half. On offense, Lennon Campos (Georgetown, ON) and Jaden Witt (Vancouver, BC) formed a dynamic duo, with Campos going perfect from the field for six points down low and Witt sinking two three-pointers to add another six points. However, Redeemer's scorching three-point shooting continued, finishing the half with eight made threes on 61.5 percent shooting to take a 49-41 lead into halftime.

The second half was all about Da'Marion Ennis (Windsor, ON) for the Falcons, as he scored at will to keep the game tight. Finishing the game with an extremely efficient 24 points (9/12) and 13 rebounds, Ennis' best work came in the fourth quarter where he picked up 10 points and six rebounds. Despite the effort from Ennis and the Falcons, the Royals ability to knockdown threes proved too much for Fanshawe, dropping the game by three points.

The Men's team will be back in Glenn Johnson Athletic Centre on Wednesday night at 8:00pm as they face the undefeated Humber Hawks (3-0).

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