Basketball fans witnessed a heart-stopping showdown where McGill came agonizingly close to pulling off a season-defining upset against Laval—only to fall short at the buzzer in a tightly contested 69–67 loss. But here's where it gets controversial: could that final missed shot have changed everything if executed differently?
In a thrilling match held at Love Competition Hall on Saturday night, the McGill Redbirds nearly toppled the second-place Laval Rouge et Or, a team that now boasts a 6–2 record this season. Going into the game, Laval was favored, and McGill's narrow defeat—on a last-second three-point attempt—highlighted just how competitive and unpredictable university basketball can be.
The game was a rollercoaster, featuring a remarkable 11 lead changes. Laval opened strong, leading 22–20 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 44–34 by halftime. But the Redbirds refused to give up, launching an impressive comeback in the third quarter with a 22–11 run that put them ahead 56–55 heading into the final period. With just 10 seconds left and a chance to clinch the victory, McGill had possession—but, in a heartbreaking twist, they lost track of the game clock, leaving Sean Duff's deep attempt from the top of the key to win the game all to no avail as time expired.
Laval's standout performer was Chakib Sedoud, who poured in a game-high 27 points on an incredible 10-for-12 shooting, including four three-pointers. Thierry Tshibola also made significant contributions, adding 15 points and six rebounds. Laval shot nearly 50% from the field and maintained a solid shooting percentage from beyond the arc, although they struggled at times from the free throw line. The Rouge et Or also dominated on the boards, outrebounding McGill 34–22, but their ball security was a concern, as they committed 11 turnovers.
McGill saw multiple players step up, with four reaching double figures. Saransh Padhy led the way with 14 points, closely followed by Sean Duff and Isaac Moore, who each scored 13. Matt Phaneuf provided an extra spark off the bench, notably hitting three three-pointers and totaling 11 points. The Redbirds finished the game shooting a respectable 45.6% from the field and making 8 out of 27 shots from long range. They also had a better ball-handling game, committing only six turnovers compared to Laval’s higher count, and sank 7 of 13 free throws.
Despite the loss, McGill maintains a dominant historical record over Laval, leading the all-time series 92–71. Looking ahead, Laval is set to face Bishop's (8–0) on November 27, while McGill will make their short trip across town to UQAM (4–1) on November 29 at 4 p.m.
For more detailed statistics, you can check the Box Score, the current RSEQ standings & stats, and the USPORTSNATIONAL STATS. As fans debate, the lingering question remains: was this game a glimpse of McGill's true potential, or simply a missed opportunity? Share your thoughts—do you believe that last-second shot was the game-changer or mere unlucky luck?**
