'Wolves Win Opener 73-65 Over Windsor

A strong first and third quarter defensively helped the Lakehead Thunderwolves win game 1 of a big 2 game OUA West series tonight in the Thunderdome. After some early foul trouble to Lakehead's perimeter core in the first half, Greg Carter (3rd Year Ottawa, ON) turned up the defensive ball pressure in the second half on his way to 5 steals including a couple of hustle plays in which he knocked the ball away and dove to the floor to get possession of the ball. Carter added 8 points (2-3 3pt) and 6 assists in the game. Lakehead was down 30-29 at the half and went on a 10-0 run to start the 3rd and did not give up the lead.

Jamie Searle had a big game going for 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in front of his Mom who surprised him with a visit Friday morning and witnessed her first career game in the Thunderdome. The packed gym also saw Venzal Russell go for 16 points and take the lion's share of the defensive load on All-Canadian Isaac Kuon who had 19 on 6-25 shooting.

Rebounding was a key for the 'Wolves who gave up 8 offensive boards to Windsor in the 1st half but limited them to 1 second chance in the 2nd half.

At the FT line Windsor was 7-10 and Lakehead was 2-2 and did not attempt a FT until under 30 seconds remaining in the game. (One way for us to shoot a high FT %).

Lakehead had a double-digit lead with 2 minutes to go but a furious scoring spree by Enrico Diloreto brought the game close by the final buzzer. Diloreto finished with 22 on 10-18 shooting.

Lakehead SID Hugh Mullally's Post Game Report:

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2010

Lakehead Men Grab Lead in OUA West

THUNDER BAY, ON -

In the first of a two game series with Windsor, the Lakehead Men showed they can get it done at home, winning 73-65 on Friday night. With the win they move into first place in the OUA West, the same spot they shared with Windsor at the end of last season, only to lose the tie breaker on point-differential and thus play in the Windsor gym later in the playoffs. It seemed as if Lakehead not only had won the game, but also was in good shape of winning any tie breaker as well, as they led by as many as 16 with 4 minutes remaining in the game.

In the next 2 minutes, however, in a hectic and flurried response, Windsor guard Enrico Diloreto went on a solo 9-0 run, hitting banks shots, a reverse layup, and capped it off with a straight-a-way triple that narrowed the lead to 7 points (71-64) with 38 seconds remaining. On each made shot Diloreto made appeals to the referees for the 'and 1', but the referees maintained their hushed demeanor for most of the game; that was until Windsor was forced to foul with 30 seconds remaining and stop the clock, and, after flailing themselves on expectant LU ball handlers for 4 straight plays, sent Lakehead to the line with 20 seconds remaining in the game to shoot their only 2 free throws of the contest. Venzal Russell coolly stepped to line and iced the pair.

Despite the absence at the charity stripe, Lakehead was able to generate offense from their intense defense, led by guard Greg Carter, whose high-pressure D pocketed himself 5 steals. Jamie Searle also joined in on the loose change affair, nabbing 3 steals. Searle was once again LU's leader in points with 17, but also grabbed a team-high 9 rebounds and dealt out 6 assists. Venzal Russell had 16 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. Thunder Bay native Matt Schmidt came off the bench to provide a spark, going 4-for-8 with 5 rebounds at the forward position, as Brendan King sat out with an ankle injury. Schmidt played well off screen-and-roll plays from Searle and Carter, finishing at the basket strong against larger Windsor opponents who were often caught out of position on the screen-roll plays.

Windsor's All Star Isaac Kuon, who had previously gone for 20+ points in the last 3 contests versus Lakehead was held to 19 points on 6 of 25 shooting. The brighter spots for Windsor was Lien Philip, who grabbed 13 rebounds, and Enrico Diloreto, whose 22 points, and late 9-0 run could factor into the playoff picture, depending on tomorrow evening's outcome.

LU Coach Scott Morrison was happy to win this battle, but knows it's only the first half of the weekend showdown:

"I was very pleased with our defensive and rebounding effort in the second half. We were undersized but used our speed and urgency to get a couple of O boards and loose balls that are always key. I was not happy with the let down on Enrico's dribble penetration at the end of the game but overall we are pleased to get the W. Things get tougher tomorrow as we expect Windsor to make some adjustments and come out tough again. We have to do the same and understand that this is really only 'half-time' of a big weekend."

Game time tomorrow is 8 pm (following the women's game) at the Thunderdome. Games can also be viewed online at SSN Canada (www,ssncanada.ca/games), or heard locally on LU Radio, 102.7 FM, www.luradio.ca

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Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157
Fax: (807) 343-8203
www.thunderwolves.ca

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