Imagine stepping onto the court with high hopes, only to see them dashed in a matter of minutes. That’s exactly what happened to the McGill Redbirds in their recent collegiate basketball showdown against the Laval Rouge et Or. But here’s where it gets controversial—was it simply a bad day for McGill, or did Laval’s strategy expose deeper weaknesses in the Redbirds’ game? Let’s dive in.
In a lopsided contest at Quebec City’s Amphithéâtre Desjardins, the Laval Rouge et Or dominated the McGill Redbirds with a staggering 83–41 victory. Chris Tshibola and Chakib Sedoud were the standout performers, combining for 39 points and showcasing Laval’s offensive firepower. Tshibola’s 20 points and six rebounds, paired with Sedoud’s 19 points and game-high eight boards, highlighted Laval’s control over both ends of the court. The Rouge et Or’s ability to outshoot, outrebound, and outmaneuver McGill was on full display, as they forced 20 turnovers and converted them into 26 points.
For McGill, this game marked their first official RSEQ conference matchup against a Quebec opponent, but it was actually their fourth regular-season game overall. And this is the part most people miss—due to a recent rule change, three preseason games against AUS and OUA opponents now count toward the RSEQ standings. This means McGill’s earlier losses to Ottawa (82–55) and Toronto (100–80), along with their win against Saint Mary’s (89–70), factored into their 1–4 record. It’s a quirky system, but one that adds an extra layer of complexity to the season.
The Redbirds struggled to find their footing throughout the game, shooting a mere 25.9% from the field and 25% from three-point range. Isaac Moore led the team with nine points, while Miles King, Saransh Padhy, and Noah Sincere chipped in with eight, six, and six points, respectively. Despite a perfect 5-for-5 performance from the free-throw line, McGill’s limited opportunities and inability to capitalize on second-chance points (only two) sealed their fate.
Laval’s dominance wasn’t just in scoring—they controlled the paint and the glass, outrebounding McGill 47–23. Their 38.1% field goal percentage, 8-of-22 three-point shooting, and 27-for-39 free-throw accuracy further underscored their all-around superiority. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Could McGill’s performance be a one-off, or does Laval’s victory signal a shifting power dynamic in the RSEQ? Let us know in the comments.
Despite the loss, McGill holds a historical edge over Laval, with a 92–70 record since their first meeting in 1992. Looking ahead, the Redbirds will aim to bounce back when they host UQAM (2–1) on Thursday, November 13, at 8 p.m. at Love Competition Hall. Meanwhile, Laval (3–2) continues its homestand on November 15 against Concordia (3–1).
For those eager to dive deeper into the stats, check out the full boxscore here and the RSEQ standings here. Special thanks to Earl Zukerman, Sports Information Officer at McGill University, for providing the details. Reach him at 514-983-7012 or earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca for more insights.
