Jonny Roach – Staff Writer

The Bishop’s men’s basketball team’s impressive regular season ended with a sad curtain call loss on the road in Laval, but the show went on during the first RSEQ conference playoff game against L’Université du Québéc à Montréal.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Gaiters travelled to Laval University to face the Rouge et Or for one final regular season bout between the RSEQ’s first and second place finishers. Laval opened the contest with an absurd 29-16 lead, capitalizing on offensive possessions and forcing six turnovers on the defensive end. In the second frame, the Gaiters retaliated by winning the quarter 18-9, entering the locker room at the half, trailing just 38-34. The third quarter was hard-fought, coming to a 54-49 deficit on the back of Yanis Malanda’s seven-point effort. In the final period, the efficient shooting and defense of the Rouge et Or proved too much to overcome, resulting in a 75-62 loss in this final regular-season affair.

Image courtesy of Annie White

Despite the disappointing outcome, Bishop’s remained above Laval in the RSEQ standings, securing homecourt advantage for the playoffs. Reggie Jean Seraphin led the way with 13 points, while Yanis Malanda (11 points, six rebounds), Etienne Gagnon (nine points, five rebounds) and David Navarro (nine points, three steals) provided the help. The Rouge et Or put on one of their best outings all season, besting the Gaiters in points, shooting percentages, rebounds and defense to come away with the 13-point victory.

With the 2025-26 regular season in the books, the Gaiters began their playoff campaign on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at home against the Citadins of UQAM. In a roaring Mitchell Gymnasium, the Gaiters took off to a hot 21-14 start through the opening stanza. Bishop’s continued their aggressive attack, extending their lead to 12 through their incredible 75 per cent shooting from inside and beyond three-point territory. The second half would be no easier for UQAM, as the Gaiters continued their exceptional scoring proficiency by adding seven three-pointers to their tally, pulling away with a growing 72-48 lead. By the fourth quarter, all momentum had swung in favour of the swamp. The Gaiters amassed another 21-point scoring spree to close out the Citadins in a blowout 93-63 victory.

Bishop’s has begun their pursuit of post-season success with a match to remind the competition of what’s to come. The men were dominant in all aspects of this one, dominating across all statistical categories and drilling a ridiculous 18 three-pointers on 50 per cent efficiency. Yanis Malanda led the charge with 18 points at a 70 per cent rate, while Reggie Jean Seraphin (17 points, five rebounds) and Etienne Gagnon (14 points, nine rebounds) brought firepower of their own on the scoreboard and the rebound column.

With the Gaiters making a firm statement in their first playoff victory, they once again face the Laval Rouge et Or in a battle for the title of RSEQ divisional champions. A season for the history books continues as the hunt for a spot in the Final eight in Calgary, Alberta, is in the balance. Be sure to continue your support as we wish the Purple and White the best of luck for the rest of this season!