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LONDON, Ont. (March, 6, 2010) – Although it was not the colour they set out to achieve the St. Lawrence College (SLC) men's basketball team did walk away with a medal capturing the bronze at the Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) Championship by defeating the Sheridan Bruins 88-81.

Showing true grit and pride almost 24 hours after the heartbreaking defeat to the host Fanshawe Falcons in the semi-finals, the Vikings rallied together and left the tournament celebrating. 

“This was a bitter-sweet victory for us” stated Head Coach #Barry Smith#. “We told the team that they are athletes and are still in competition and need to finish this tournament strong.” 

The Vikings delivered on that message putting together the most united team performance of the season. Nine total Vikings dress and all nine produced both offensively and defensively with everyone recording at least one basket. 

Tournament All-Star and OCAA Second-Team All-Star #Ajahmo Clarke# of Scarborough, Ont., led the way collecting a team high 20 points and six rebounds, going a perfect 8-for-8 in Field Goals. 

Clarke's strong first half of nine points and four rebounds was matched by fellow teammate #Malcolm Ramsay# of Thornhill, Ont., hitting nine points of his own and pulled down five rebounds giving the Vikings a 10 point lead heading into the second. 

Not deterred by the surging Vikings the Bruins answered back in the second with strong play from Kareem Malcolm of Brampton, Ont., who capped off an impressive performance scoring a game high 21 points and eight rebounds. 

Along with Malcolm and three other Bruins who scored in double-digits Sheridan erased the ten-point deficit and took the lead with under five minutes remaining. 

SLC stayed with the Bruins shot for shot in the closing minutes due in large part of rookie #Mackenzie Simpson# of Ottawa who had a career performance, recording 15 points and four rebounds. 

Using the momentum of the Vikings bench veteran players and team captains #Remy Simpson# and #Bryan McMillan# of Kingston, Ont., stepped up not let their final collegiate game end on the losing end. 

Simpson went 5-for-6 from the line including a perfect 2-2 late, to tie the game with two minutes remaining. After one of nine rebounds by Simpson at the opposite end of the court the Vikings passed the ball over to McMillan who hit a clutch three pointer to take a three-point lead. 

The Vikings defence held strong after that, forcing turnovers and grabbing rebounds which the Bruins could not match and eventually gave the Vikings their first OCAA medal since 2007. 

“It meant a lot to us and our fans to finish the tournament with a victory.” commented McMillan following the win. “Of course we wanted to be playing for gold, but this victory means a lot to us as well.” 

The bronze medal is the Vikings fifth medal at the Championships (3 silver, 2 bronze) and their first bronze medal since 1975.