RECAP: Ottawa defeats Queen’s to earn 2025 Wilson Cup on home court

The Ottawa Gee-Gees men's basketball team was partying like it was 1993 on Saturday night at Montpetit Hall. It had been 32 years since the Gee-Gees hoisted the Wilson Cup for the first time ever in front of their home crowd in the Nation's Capital. The win marks Ottawa's fourth overall Wilson Cup win and second in three seasons after previously winning in 2023.

In a sold-out thriller, Ottawa defeated familiar foes Queen's 95-87. The Gaels started the game red hot, outscoring Ottawa 28-15 in the first frame. The Gee-Gees cut into the lead in the second, but the Gaels still held the momentum and seven-point lead at the halftime break.

In the second half, Ottawa took control, behind a monster performance from Justin Ndjock-Tadjore, who finished with a game-high 29 points to go along with six rebounds and the game's Most Valuable Player honours. The teams traded blows, but ultimately the Gee-Gees pulled away in the fourth to secure the win.

For the Gaels, stars Ollie Engan (28 points / 6 rebounds) and Luka Syllas (24 points / 10 rebounds) logged outstanding efforts throughout the night, both rarely leaving the floor with 35 minutes played apiece.

What They're Saying:

"It's really special. Winning this with the guys you've been grinding with the whole season is an amazing feeling, but we're not satisfied yet, we're still aiming for the national title." – Justin Ndjock-Tadjore

"It's amazing … a lot of emotions, cutting down your own net. Sometimes you want to go into the other team's gym and cut down their net, like the women's team did tonight which was so special. To do it here, it's just incredible, just a special, special night." – Gee-Gees head coach James Derouin.

"It's a story book ending, I don't have the words to describe what I'm feeling right now, super grateful and blessed, it's a dream come true. From the first day I stepped on campus, you dream of moments like this, to win an OUA Championship against a rival at Montpetit, it's a story book ending," – Gee-Gees captain Dragan Stajic after playing his final game at home.

What's Next:

The Gee-Gees will continue their season in Vancouver as the U SPORTS Final 8 is hosted at UBC from March 13-16. Ottawa has the top seed in the tournament and will take on wildcard enterant Concordia in the quarterfinals, set to take place at the Thunderbird Centre on Thursday at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live in English on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube and in French on Radio-Canada ICI Tou.TV.