March 8, 2026
Victoria tops TMU to capture bronze at U SPORTS Men’s Final 8
Shadynn Smid scored 19 points and added eight rebounds to lead the Victoria Vikes to an 85-81 victory over the Toronto Metropolitan Bold in the bronze-medal game Sunday at the 2026 U SPORTS Men’s Final 8, presented by Student Housing Calgary, at Jack Simpson Gym.
The win gives the Canada West champion Vikes a podium finish and closes their season with a 27-4 record (17-3 CW). Toronto Metropolitan, the Ontario University Athletics champion, finishes the campaign at 30-7 overall (17-5 OUA).
Smid, named Victoria’s player of the game, shot an efficient 8-for-12 from the field and knocked down three three-pointers while also contributing two steals and two blocks in a strong two-way performance.
Renoldo Robinson added 18 points and six assists for the Vikes, while Ethan Boag chipped in 12 points and Geoffrey James contributed 11 points and five assists as Victoria’s balanced offense helped secure the victory.
Toronto Metropolitan stayed within striking distance throughout the contest, trailing just 44-43 at halftime after a tightly played opening half.
The Bold surged briefly in the third quarter behind Gabriel Gutsmore, who erupted for 14 of his team-high 20 points during the frame. The performance earned Gutsmore player-of-the-game honours for TMU.
Victoria responded with timely shooting and strong ball movement, finishing with 17 assists on 28 field goals while limiting turnovers to 12. The Vikes also capitalized on TMU miscues, converting turnovers into 26 points.
Deandre Goulbourne added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Bold, while Aaron Rhooms chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
The game featured seven ties and six lead changes before Victoria pulled ahead late in the fourth quarter to secure the bronze medal.
NIKE TEAM PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
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Toronto Metropolitan: Gabriel Gutsmore
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Victoria: Shadynn Smid
