Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
'Wolves Lose by 3 in Thunderdome Thriller
In what was likely one of the all-time classic games in Thunderdome history, the #3 ranked Lakehead Thunderwolves missed a buzzer-beating 3pt shot to tie the game and fell for the first time this season to the #1 ranked and defending CIS champion Carleton Ravens 88-85.
Ben Johnson had a decent look with to tie the game after the 'Wolves forced a 5 second violation with 2.3 seconds left in the game and down 3. Johnson led all scorers in the game with 23 points on 8-14 shooting and added 3 steals.
The first half was a defensive battle that saw the 'Wolves go into the half-time break up 4, 36-32. Carleton shot 1-14 from 3pt range in the first. In the second half, Carleton would heat up as Cole Hobin knocked down consecutive three point shots to give Carleton a lead in the 3rd quarter. In the 4th, Lakehead's offensive rebounding and some timely dribble penetration kept them in the game to the final possession. Carleton was able to stave off the 'Wolves by hitting several key challenged three point shots including daggers by each Manigat, Hinz and Thompson down the stretch. Carleton would shoot an impressive 8-12 from deep in the 2nd half.
Carleton had 5 players in double figures led by Phillip Scrubb who had 17 and 6 assists.
Also scoring for Lakehead was Joseph Jones (18) and Venzal Russell (15).
Coach Morrison on the game:
I thought it was a great game. Both teams capitalized on the few mistakes of the opponent, however I thought some careless turnovers as well as some gambling mistakes on D was the difference in the game. Looking forward we have the confidence to know we can play with this team but also the hunger to remain focused on improving our level of play.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Wolves Hold off Gee Gees 78-72
Lakehead Men's Basketball stayed undefeated on the young season with a 78-72 hard fought win over the Ottawa Gee Gees.
Ottawa used its athleticism to force 20 Lakehead turnovers and reap the benefits of some easy hoops in transition as a result. Johnny Berhanemeskel was also dangerous for Ottawa connecting on a game high 23 points on 8-12 shooting.
Lakehead built a 12 point lead at the half but could not put Ottawa away as they battled back to outscore Lakehead 23-16 in the 3rd quarter.
Lakehead used 17 offensive boards and forced 23 turnovers of their own to keep finding buckets and stave off the charging Gee Gees.
For Lakehead Venzal Russell had 16 points on 7-17 shooting. Yoosrie Salhia did some major damage in the paint to the tune of his second straight double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds to go with 5 assists. Greg Carter (14 points 8 assists 2 steals), Ben Johnson (11 points 3 steals) and Joseph Jones (11 points) all scored in double figures.
Lakehead regroups for a match-up with #1 ranked Carleton tomorrow at 8pm.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Gee Gees & Ravens Coming to the Thunderdome
The Thunderwolves final home games of the first semester tip-off this weekend with OUA East powers Ottawa and Carleton landing in the Thunderdome. For weekend previews please see links to breakdowns by Leith Dunick (Tbnewswatch.com) and Hugh "Buck Wild" Mullally (thunderwolves.ca)
Tbnewswatch.com -Believe the Hype (with a great Chuck D reference)
LU Weekend Basketball Preview - thunderwolves.ca (Hugh Mullally)
Both games can be viewed on ssncanada.com (Fri/Sat at 8pm)
Tbnewswatch.com -Believe the Hype (with a great Chuck D reference)
LU Weekend Basketball Preview - thunderwolves.ca (Hugh Mullally)
Both games can be viewed on ssncanada.com (Fri/Sat at 8pm)
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
L.U. Sweeps Toronto Schools with 95-54 Win over Ryerson
In what proved to be Lakehead's best team defensive effort of the young season, the Thunderwolves put away the Ryerson Rams in style with a 95-54 victory. Lakehead was led by a trio of veterans including Yoosrie Salhia controlled the paint with a 13 point 10 rebound double-double adding 7 assists in just under 20 minutes of action.
Salhia's co-captain Greg Carter put on another defensive display this time holding top scorer, and FISU games team member, Jahmal Jones to 8 points, 0 assists and 5 turnovers. Carter himself shot 4-6 for 8 points adding 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals while committing 0 turnovers.
Finally Joseph Jones provided the scoring punch leading all players with 19 points on a hot 5-6 from downtown.
For Ryerson Jordan Gauthier had 15 and 5 rebounds.
Lakehead won the rebounding battle (12-9 offensive) and also forced 17 turnovers to the home squad's 12. All 12 Lakehead players scored including freshman Joseph Nitychoruk (Winnipeg, MB) who had 6 points and 2 rebounds in his OUA debut. Lakehead was 10-21 from 3pt range.
The team hosts Ottawa next Friday at 8pm in the Thunderdome.
Local Media from the Toronto Game
Here is a local media summary of the Lakehead-Toronto game. Tonight Lakehead host Ryerson University Rams (Women @ 6, Men @ 8)
Post Game Recap from Leith Dunick (Tbnewswatch.com)
Post Game Recap from Chronicle Journal (Women's Game)
Pre Game Story from Reuban Villagracia (Chronicle Journal)
Post Game Recap from Leith Dunick (Tbnewswatch.com)
Post Game Recap from Chronicle Journal (Women's Game)
Pre Game Story from Reuban Villagracia (Chronicle Journal)
Thunderwolves Top Varsity Blues
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Movember 18, 2011
LU Men Wear Mustaches, Beat U of T 68-63
THUNDER BAY, ON -
The men's basketball team managed to improve their early season record to 3-0 Friday evening, as they slipped by the U of T Varsity Blues 68-63 in front of a packed house in the Thunderdome. As a bonus, they did it while sporting many a mustache in support of Movember.
It should also be noted that the Thunderwolves did not succeed without weathering a storm in the second half from the Blues, who fought back from trailing 24-10 in the the first half, to eventually take the lead 51-50 on an Alex Hill dunk in the third quarter. Blues Justin Holmes and Arun Kumar gave a big boost during Toronto's run, combining to hit on 6 of 11 from long range for the game. U of T would build the lead to 55-51 before Lakehead got their ship back on course, behind the ever-impervious defense of Greg Carter, who finished the game with 10 points, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Carter's overall tremendous athletic display had the Blues playing out of their comfort zone as crunch time approached.
With Lakehead leading 66-63 and under 30 seconds to play, the final nail in Toronto's coffin would be driven by their own hand, that of Alex Hill, who turned the ball over on a poorly placed lead pass to Justin Holmes during a U of T 3-on-1 fast break that surely would have ended in a lay up, if not a three pointer from Holmes.
Venzal Russel led the Pack with 15 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Ryan Thompson provided 16 points and a memorable 'Adam Morrison' impression for fans with a slick pencil mustache, not to mention a smooth stroke from behind the arc (4-of-11). Ben Johnson was the fourth T-Wolf in double figures with 10 points (2-3 from three). Johnson also hit the clinching free throws at the end of the game.
Although there were few lip hair follicles to be found on the Toronto roster, it did not keep four of their starting five from hitting double figures. Veteran big man Andrew Wasik led with a very efficient 17 points (8 of 11) and 6 rebounds. Kumar had 13, while Holmes and Hill scored 11 each.
For the game, both teams combined for 20 fouls, and only 10 free throws were taken. Lakehead out-rebounded U of T 34-26.
Coach Scott Morrison, who opted for a set of handlebars in support of 'Movember', had this to say post game:
"Like the good team they are, Toronto stayed collected and recovered from a big deficit after our hot start (24-10). We are doing a great job playing when we have momentum but need to learn to stay level and determined when things are not going exactly our way."
"I thought the two biggest factors in the win were team rebounding and ball pressure, especially Greg Carter who has been a game changer in our first 3 conference games. We now have to shift our focus to a fast paced Ryerson team tomorrow night."
The men play the Ryerson Rams at 8 pm tomorrow evening in the Thunderdome.
"I thought the two biggest factors in the win were team rebounding and ball pressure, especially Greg Carter who has been a game changer in our first 3 conference games. We now have to shift our focus to a fast paced Ryerson team tomorrow night."
The men play the Ryerson Rams at 8 pm tomorrow evening in the Thunderdome.
Live Coverage:
Webcast: www.ssncanada.ca/games
Radio: CILU 102.7 FM www.luradio.ca
--
Hugh Mullally
Sports Information Director
Lakehead University Athletics
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Lakehead Opens Home OUA Schedule
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Movember 16, 2011
Four OUA Universities Visiting Thunderdome This Weekend
THUNDER BAY, ON -
Men's Basketball (2-0)
Coach Scott Morrison sums up the weekend's challenges versus both teams:
"This weekend represents our toughest challenge of this young season. Toronto was one of the most talented starting line-ups in the OUA and have done a great job consistently developing their players over the years. Guards Kumar and Holmes along with bigs Wasik and Glisic are good players that improve each season. Add in a division 1 transfer in Alex Hill and this is a talented and experienced team. We are going to make an effort to slow down their ball movement and try to keep their bigs from going to work down low."
Morrison continues, "Ryerson is another talented and very athletic team. They can get up and down the floor faster than anyone we have seen this season and have the touch around the hoop to make teams pay for not getting back and being strong in transition defense. We are going to have to really work to slow down their main scoring threat Jones who represented Canada this year at the FISU and Pan Am games. In addition Ryerson really gets after the glass including #22 Stancia who had 10 offensive boards last weekend."
Injury-wise, freshmen Michael Thorne-Finch and J.R. Alexander are still both out with their respective injuries. Rookie Joey Nitychoruk missed last weekend but is hopeful for action this weekend.
Saturday night is "Back Court Club" night which includes a social at Tony and Adam's post game for Back Court Club members.
For information on joining the Back Court Club please visit http://lakeheadbasketball.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Lakehead Finishes Weekend Sweep
RMC came out blazing to the tune of an 11-0 lead to start the game. After a spirited Time-out by the 'Wolves, the team responded and went on a 55-13 run for the remainder of the first half.
For the game, Lakehead had 6 players in double-figures and two more with 9 points. Adam Johnson and Brendan King were the leading scorers at 16 each - Johnson and Joe Jones led all rebounders with 8 a piece. Anthony McIntosh had 15 points and 7 rebounds.
Greg Carter finished a strong weekend with 11 points 6 rebounds 4 assists and 3 steals in 26 minutes. The final was 115-54.
RMC was led by new scorer Idris Said-Madjid who had 22 including 8-10 from the FT line. Connor Duke had 12 on 4-18 shooting.
Coach Morrison on the game:
I was a little disappointed with a couple of our players seemingly not ready to play to start the game but I was pleased with how the team responded after our initial start. Greg Carter was a presence in both games this weekend as his ball pressure was a factor in both Lakehead wins. We will need more of the same next weekend - plus a great week of practice as the schedule gets tougher each weekend from here on out.
Lakehead Wins Opener At Queen's
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2011
LU Men Ring it up in Second Half, Win 84-52
KINGSTON, ON -
Lakehead survived a stagnant first half of offence to pull away from Queens. Trailing by 1 (28-27) at the half, LU was 0-10 from 3 point land in the first 20 minutes.
Lakehead's top scorer was Ben Johnson with 22 points (5-9 from three) and 6 rebounds. Three other T-Wolves hit double digits in points; Venzal Russell (17) Greg Carter (14) and Nathan 'Nasty Nate' Wainwright (10).
The second half was a different story as Ryan Thomson broke the ice with an early 3 and greg Carter turned up the heat on Queen's ball handlers to the tune of 5 steals.
The Wolves would outscore Queens 29-9 in the deciding third quarter and then 28-15 in the 4th.
Lakehead's top scorer was Ben Johnson with 22 points (5-9 from three) and 6 rebounds. Three other T-Wolves hit double digits in points; Venzal Russell (17) Greg Carter (14) and Nathan 'Nasty Nate' Wainwright (10).
The Golden Gaels were led by Ryan Golden with 12 points, while Mackenzie Simpson had 10 points and 6 boards.
Coach Scott Morrison had this to say post game:
"It was a slow start offensively for us as we had a tough time with Queen's style of defence which led to us forcing on O and not moving the ball. Second half we did a better job kicking off our penetration and were able to knock down some outside shots which is always going to be a key for us on offence. I thought we did a decent job defending the Gaels' open concept offence though they did do a number on us in the rebounding category. We have to re-group and bring the confidence and execution from the second half tonight for 40 minutes tomorrow afternoon."
The men face RMC tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm. No webcast coverage is available.
Hugh Mullally
Sports Information Director
Lakehead University Athletics
Friday, November 11, 2011
Lakehead Opens OUA Season vs Queen's and RMC
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Movember 10, 2011
Basketball Weekend Preview: @ Queen's & RMC
THUNDER BAY, ON -
Lakehead's cagers will be in action in Kingston this weekend to take on Queen's Golden Gaels (Friday, 6 & 8 pm) and the Royal Military College Paladins (Saturday, 2 & 4 pm).
As of presstime Thursday, neither slate of games is planned to be webcast by the host, unfortunately for Thunderwolf Nation. Checkthunderwolves.ca closer to game time for possible status updates.
Men
Pre-season record 8-0 - Ranked 4th in CIS the past two weeks
Coach Scott Morrison looks to get things off to a good start after a lighter than normal (although pristine) exhibition record:
"After weeks of hard work preparing, we are excited to get things going against a new look Queen's team on Friday and RMC on Saturday afternoon. Queen's is going to be a tough matchup for us as they move the ball and space the floor well on offense. The Gaels will be well prepared by Coach Barrie and offer a balanced scoring attack and a tightened up defense. RMC has some new talent in their program and always put a well conditioned and physically strong team on the court that we have to be prepared to clash with for 40 minutes. In both games we are going to be focusing on sticking to our game plan for longer periods and hopefully putting our best all-around efforts of the season so far."
"After weeks of hard work preparing, we are excited to get things going against a new look Queen's team on Friday and RMC on Saturday afternoon. Queen's is going to be a tough matchup for us as they move the ball and space the floor well on offense. The Gaels will be well prepared by Coach Barrie and offer a balanced scoring attack and a tightened up defense. RMC has some new talent in their program and always put a well conditioned and physically strong team on the court that we have to be prepared to clash with for 40 minutes. In both games we are going to be focusing on sticking to our game plan for longer periods and hopefully putting our best all-around efforts of the season so far."
Injuries:
The team had 14 players in practice to start Thursday morning with a number of players recovering or battling nagging injuries.
Freshmen Michael Thorne-Finch and Sylvestor 'J.R.' Alexander remain on the DL and will be inactive this weekend.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Lakehead Edges Hamline University in Shoot-out
In a game uncharacteristic of recent Lakehead wins, the 'Wolves managed to tough out a high scoring 98-95 win over a tough Hamline University team.
Joe Jones led Lakehead with 23 points on 7-11 shooting adding 7 rebounds in what the Lakehead coaching staff felt was possibly his best game in the CIS. Venzal Russell had a slow start but rallied to score 22 with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Greg Carter also had one of his finest games of the young season with 14 points on 5-7 shooting with 4 assists and 3 steals. Nathan Wainwright was the other Wolf in double figures hitting on 3-6 for 10 points.
Hamline proved to be very effective with their dribble penetration led by senior Mike Campbell who poured in 30 without taking a 3pt shot.
The game was decided late as the 'Wolves hit clutch FTs and came up with a couple of big stops in the last minute to seal the victory and complete their pre-season schedule with a perfect 8-0 record.
Coach Scott Morrison on Tonight's Win:
While it was not our best performance on the defensive end, I was proud of how our players dealt with some adversity including some tough calls, foul trouble and playing short-handed because of injuries. We got down 12-0 to start the game but stayed focused and showed some of the intangible qualities necessary to be successful in the OUA. We met our goals for the pre-season but now must turn our attention to Queen's - the first of many tough games and challenging opponents we will see over the next four weeks.
Friday, November 4, 2011
L.U. Escapes with Close Win in Wisconsin
Lakehead used an 18-9 run in the final 5 minutes of play to sneak away with a 3pt win in Menomonie, Wisconsin against host UW-Stout.
Joe Jones hit 2 FT with 5.6 seconds left to give LU a 3pt lead and Stout's attempt to tie the game fell short. UW Stout used ball movement and post entries to get good look and shoot 52% for the game. When LU's defence tightened up, it was 27 forced turnovers that may have been the difference in the end.
Brendan King played a strong game for Lakehead scoring 15 points on 5-7 shooting including a big 3pt shot late in the 4th that brought LU within 1 point after trailing for much of the game.
Joe Jones added 10 points including his cloth FT and a 3pt of his own that put the 'Wolves in front with about 2 minutes remaining. Jones also took 3 "charges" providing a spark on both sides of the ball for L.U. Venzal Russell also had 15 and shot and improved 5-6 from the FT line.
UW Stout was led by sharpshooter Steve Pax who had 16 on 7-12 shooting.
Lakehead is travelling with only 10 players as 4 bodies remaining home in Thunder Bay nursing injuries including starting bigs Yoosrie Salhia and Ryan Thomson.
Coach Morrison on Tonight's Win:
We were not happy with our focus and execution to start the game. Our veteran players' need to hold themselves more accountable for mistakes in execution and not settle for less than 100% effort at any time. Our young players need to realize that mentally, one must prepare and stay focused on what the game plan is and what strengths our opponents represent. We have one more shot tomorrow to clean things up before OUA play begins next week. I hope tonight we can learn some lessons without having them attached to a loss.
Lakehead plays Hamline College of Minneapolis/St Paul tomorrow night at 7pm central time.
Hamline beat LU in their last meeting in November 2008.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Lakehead Crosses Border for Final Tune-UP
From Hugh "Movember" Mullally, Lakehead SID:
Game times are Friday at 8 pm (Eastern) versus U-Wisconsin Stout and the same time Saturday against Hamline.
This will be the last set of exhibition games for Scott Morrison's team. "With this weekend representing our final tune up before the OUA schedule we are looking to cut down on some of our mental errors and give 40 minutes of effort each night," Morrison remarked on Wednesday. "We are not familiar with the opponent so our focus will be on executing our systems to the best of our ability."
The last time the Thunderwolves made this trip (2008) they won the UW-Stout game and lost to Hamline.
Injuries report: Michael Thorne-Finch and JR Alexander are out with injuries, Yoosrie Salhia and Nathan Wainwright are probable but have missed practice time this week.
Links for Fridays game:
Live stats:http://athletics.
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