For the second time in three years, the Redeemer Royals have finished 4th at the OCAA Men's Basketball Championships. Redeemer was defeated Sunday afternoon by the #2 East ranked Seneca Sting in the Bronze Medal match 97-81.

Another strong season for the Royals comes to a disappointing end. After winning their quarterfinal match on Friday night against the Sheridan Bruins, Redeemer couldn't find a way to defeat the top two teams from the OCAA East. Redeemer dropped a 79-76 decision Saturday to the #1 East ranked George brown Huskies.  

Sunday's game was a battle of attrition, as both teams were playing their 3rd game in as many days. The Royals came out strong and took a 30-28 lead into the 2nd quarter. However it was the Sting who led going into the half. A dominant 2nd quarter had Seneca up 58-44. The Sting extended their lead to 18 points in the 3rd quarter before the Royals made one last push. Redeemer closed the gap to 9 points to put a bit of pressure on Seneca but the lead proved to be to much. 

Spencer Kerssies had 18 points and 9 rebounds while Elijah Lostracco added 16. Jacobus Vanderpol and Nick Green both finished with double-digit points at 14 and 12 respectively.

Elijah Lostracco was awarded the player of the game in the loss to the Sting while Spencer Kerssies was named an OCAA Championship All-Star. 

Despite advancing to the OCAA Championship semifinals this season as well as in 2017-2018, Redeemer has yet to break through for an OCAA medal. With the loss, Redeemer is still looking for their first OCAA medal in program history. 

While not securing a medal will sting for the Royals, they remain one of the most consistent programs in the province. After decades of finishing among the bottom teams in the OCAA, Redeemer has built a contending program, and is proving that it will last. The 2019-2020 Championship appearance is Redeemer 4th consecutive trip to the Final 8. Since beginning his tenure as the bench boss for the Royals in 2012-2013, Head Coach Jamie Girolametto has worked tirelessly to put the program on the map. With a 47-13 record over the past 3 years, Redeemer is proving they can contend in arguably the toughest conference in Canada.  

Sunday's match was the last for graduating student-athletes Spencer Kerssies, Nick Green, and Justin Lenters.