Ravens win lucky 13, but it wasn’t easy

Carleton basketball squad capture House-Laughton Classic title yet again

Another day, another round of questions for the Carleton men’s basketball Ravens.

Has their trademark defence abandoned them?

Has the extension of the threepoint arc by 18 inches left their deadly marksmanship akilter?

Have they lost their killer instinct? Their magic?

It’s far too early to draw concrete conclusions. The Ravens certainly had enough talent, and played well enough, to capture their 13th consecutive House-Laughton Classic title on Sunday at the Raven’s Nest by spanking Victoria 82-62.

But they were plagued by inconsistency, particularly on defence, said tournament MVP Philip Scrubb, who scored 24.

“There were some stretches when we weren’t on the same page.”

Coach Dave Smart was unconvinced.

“We played with a lot of confidence early but for some reason when it doesn’t go smooth … we just don’t seem to step on anybody’s throats.”

Scrubb drove for a layup, drilled a trey and twice found Tyson Hinz for open treys off pick-and-pops as Carleton set Victoria on its heels with an opening 17-2 run.

With Thomas Scrubb shutting down Vikes star Terrell Evans and the Ravens post defence denying the entry passes to Chris McLaughlin in the blocks, Carleton extended its lead to 24, but began misfiring on open looks, allowing Victoria to rally within 45-30 at the half.

Clinton Springer-Williams drained a pair of treys and Thomas Scrubb drove for a pair of buckets as Carleton’s starting unit re-asserted command.

Although Evans got on track to keep Victoria vaguely within reach, Hinz and Philip Scrubb invariably had the answers down the stretch.

The poor start hurt, said Vikes coach Craig Beaucamp.

“We’ve had a hangover from the last couple of games with these guys. Mentally, we need to get over that. We gave it away pretty easily early.”

Springer Williams added 20 for Carleton, Hinz 19 and Thomas Scrubb 15. Marcus Tibbs led Victoria with 15. Evans and McLaughlin each added 14.

Earlier, Lakehead dusted Bishop’s 78-70 to capture bronze after rallying from a 38-28 halftime deficit by shifting to a zone, elevating their ball pressure and dictating a faster tempo, while beginning to protect the ball.

“Coach simplified it for us at halftime,” said St. Patrick’s product Anthony McIntosh. “We’re not really composed all the time.”

Dwayne Harvey paced Lakehead with 22. McIntosh added 14. Onnex Blackwood led Bishop’s with 18.

Joining Philip Scrubb on the alltournament team were Hinz, Tibbs, McLaughlin, Harvey and Mike Andrews of Bishop’s.