Humbled Carleton Ravens look to regain glory at U Sports men's basketball championship

With the Carleton Ravens off their perch as top seed, the U Sports Final 8 men's basketball tournament is wide open for any team to win when play begins Friday in Edmonton.

Alongside the host Alberta Golden Bears, the Victoria Vikes, Saskatchewan Huskies, Brock Badgers, Queen's Gaels, Carleton Ravens, McGill Redbirds, and Dalhousie Tigers will be vying to capture the W.P. McGee Trophy as Canada's top men's team. 

After being the top seed in three of the last four tournaments, the Ravens enter this year's bracket as the seventh seed, with the Badgers sliding into top spot having captured the OUA's Wilson Cup Championship, the second in their program's history.

The tournament, which was cancelled last year because of the pandemic, runs through Sunday, streaming live on CBC Gem and CBC Sports' website.

As the only team from the Quebec-based RSEQ, the McGill Redbirds are looking to surprise when they hit the court in Edmonton. Despite winning their conference with a perfect 14-0 record, the Redbirds face doubts coming from what many see as a weaker conference. 

After long-time head coach David DeAveiro left for Ryerson, McGill turned to Ryan Thorne, who had led the women's team for 17 seasons. In his first year with the men's program, he is bringing them to their first Final 8 since 2018. 

"My biggest understanding as a coach this year was to make sure I don't just try to throw in just the things that I want to do, especially with some seniors who are in their last year," Thorne told CBC Sports. "I think the RSEQ is underestimated, and our job is to go out there and prove that we belong."