TORONTO, Ont. – The Ontario Tech men's basketball team came up just short on the road, dropping a tight 73–71 decision to the Toronto Metropolitan Bold on Friday, January 31, at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.

The Ridgebacks led 17–14 after the opening quarter and carried a 29–29 tie into halftime after a back-and-forth first half. Ontario Tech found its rhythm coming out of the break, shooting 50 percent in the third quarter to take a 55–53 edge into the final frame.

The fourth quarter remained tightly contested throughout. Keon Baker put Ontario Tech ahead 71–69 with under a minute remaining, but Toronto Metropolitan responded at the other end. Aaron Rhooms connected on a three-pointer in the final seconds to swing the lead back to the Bold and seal the result.

Mark Stoop led the Ridgebacks with 20 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double performance. TJ Richards added 19 points and five assists, while Keon Baker chipped in 14 points.

Ontario Tech will return home for its next contest, hosting the Laurentian Voyageurs on Friday, February 6 at 8 p.m.