Men’s Basketball earns first victory of the season

By Colin Richey, Sports Editor

The Golden Griffins are in the win column for the first time in their young 2025-26 season, defeating Division III opponent Allegheny 84–43 at home on Thursday. Canisius didn’t take long to earn their first victory in Head Coach Jim Christian’s second season after losing 14 games in a row last year before finding a win. 

Led by junior Bryan Ndjonga’s 17 points, Canisius saw five players reach double-digit points, including 16 points from freshman Chris Kumu and junior Kahlil Singleton, 11 points from freshman Brendan Oliver and 10 from junior Mike Evbagharu, who also recorded five steals. 

Canisius opened the game with a three-pointer from Singleton, and never gave the lead back to the Gators. It took 4:20 of gametime for Allegheny to get on the scoreboard, but by then, they were already trailing 10–3 to the Griffs. 

 Turnovers were a struggle for the Gators, with 19 giveaways leading to 23 Canisius points. The Griffs shot 48.5% from the floor, compared to the Gators’ 32%. Canisius also out-rebounded Allegheny 44 to 30, while adding 17 fastbreak points compared to the visitors’ zero.

The Griffs travel to Olean to take on St. Bonaventure on Saturday at 4 p.m., followed by a matchup at home against Mercyhurst on Wednesday at 7 p.m.