ST. LAURENT, Que. - The Durham Lords' remarkable journey came to a close with a hard-fought battle in the CCAA Men's Basketball Championship final, as they fell 76-70 to the Humber Hawks.

Though the outcome was not what they had hoped for, the Lords made history, securing their first-ever national silver medal and their second national medal of all time, following their 1997 gold.

Durham came out strong, taking an early lead with a 20-point first quarter and maintaining a narrow 35-27 advantage at halftime. 

The Lords controlled the pace and capitalized on Humber's cold shooting in the opening half, but the Hawks stormed back in the second half.

As the game entered its final moments, the Lords fought desperately to regain control. Leading by as many as 16 points in the third quarter, Durham saw their lead dwindle as Humber's pressure defence and offensive rebounding took a toll. 

Rashane Smith delivered an outstanding performance, leading the Lords with 17 points, adding five rebounds and a block. Smith was named the player of the game for the Lords.

Miles Hall matched Rashane's point total with 17 to go along with five rebounds and four assists. 

Jasean Elliott provided a spark with 15 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Javade Marne contributed eight points, four rebounds, and two steals.

Durham's defensive intensity kept them in the fight, forcing 15 turnovers and registering five blocks, but Humber's ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities proved to be the difference-maker. 

Hall earned first team all-star honours at the championship, while Elliott and Mark Stoop were rewarded for their efforts on the second team.

As the journey ends, Durham cements itself as one of the top programs in the country, ready to build on this success in the years to come.

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