Ben Johnson Named OUA Athlete of the Week

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2012

Ben Johnson Named OUA's Male Athlete of the Week

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The OUA confirmed Lakehead Athletics' hopes on Monday afternoon, selecting Ben Johnson as the Pioneer Energy Male Athlete of the Week (week ending Jan 29).

Ben Johnson (Pictou, N.S.) had an exceptional weekend for the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The fourth year guard led his team to a critical sweep over the Windsor Lancers to remain atop the OUA West division. Johnson connected on 4-of-8 from beyond the arc on Friday evening, only to out-do himself on Saturday, hitting a whopping nine three-pointers (out of 12 attempts) in Saturday's win. Johnson was knocking them down from all over, in transition, spotting up, and in clutch moments when the Lancers were mounting an impressive rally.

Johnson's nine three's set a new Lakehead record for most three point baskets in a game. He also had two rebounds, two assists and one steal on Saturday.



--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

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

Lakehead 85 Windsor 79 (Game 2)

Lakehead Earns Big Road Sweep with 84-79 Win over Windsor

The Lakehead Thunderwolves improved in the areas needed from Friday night and also continued to display a hot hand from the outside in beating the tough Windsor Lancers. With top defensive player Greg Carter battling foul trouble the entire game and Venzal Russell cold from the field, LU's other starters and bench stepped up for the second night in a row.

Ben Johnson was on fire from the outside knocking down 9-12 from 3pt land to finish with a weekend high of 29 points in 37 minutes. Joseph Jones and Matthew Schmidt also made major contributions off the bench as Jones had 14 points and a big 7 rebounds (3 offensive) and Schmidt hit two big threes during a second half Lakehead run. Yoosrie Salhia was also strong for LU battling much bigger bodies in the paint to score 14 points and add 8 rebounds.

The game was tight as Lakehead won the first 3 quarters, by 1, 4 and 6 respectively before Windsor edged LU in the deciding 4th.

LU improved on last night's turnover total by registering only 11 compared to twice that on Friday. Windsor still won the O rebounding battle grabbing 14 to LU's 9 but only 6 of Windsor's second chances came after the 1st quarter. Lakehead was 16-32 from downtown while Windsor was 7-22. At the FT line Windsor was 12-14 to Lakehead's 5-9.

Windsor was led by Lien Phillip who recorded a 17 point 11 rebound double-double (again) and Evan Matthews who had a strong weekend totalling 16 and 6 in game two. Hamilton's Ryan Christie was a beast on the glass grabbing 11 boards, 3 offensive.

Coach Morrison on the win:

We would be fools to try and say that this was not a very big weekend for us. It is not easy to beat a top-ten calibre team like Windsor one time in their house let alone two. However we would also be fools if we thought that we won any kind of championship here tonight. We have 6 tough games left, and while this weekend has helped our cause we have much work left to do. Waterloo is now our focus and our goals are to recover and put in a great week of prep.

For

Lakehead 87 Windsor 83 (Video Highlights)

'Wolves Win Shootout in Windsor

The Lakehead Thunderwolves toughed out a close 87-83 win in game 1 of the weekend series in Windsor. The Thunderwolves battled foul trouble for much of the game but received good production from bench "bigs" Matthew Schmidt, Adam Johnson and Anthony McIntosh who combined for 20 points and 5 rebounds.

Lakehead had a good start jumping out to a 19-10 first quarter lead aided by Windsor starting 3-14 from the field. Starting in the second quarter Windsor found the range and brought the game to a 6 point lead at the half.

The third quarter both teams filled the hoop with Lakehead grabbing a 7 point lead to start the 4th quarter. Clutch 3pt shooting and offensive rebounding by the Lancers brought the game within one point but Ben Johnson hit a clutch 3pt shot and two big free throws in the last minute to push the 'Wolves over the top.

Windsor was led by Enrico Diloreto who had 22 on 7-16 shooting. Lien Phillip recorded his third straight double-double against the visitors with 12 and 12.

Playing in front of friends and family for the first time, Venzal Russell scored 20 on 8-18 shooting including 4-7 from downtown. Ben Johnson was 5-10 for 19 and Greg Carter added 13 and 6 assists.

From a team standpoint, Windsor won the battle of the O boards (16-5) and turnovers (21-22) but Lakehead won the 3pt shooting battle going 13-27 to Windsor's 8-21.

Coach Morrison on the win:

It was a great game that could have went either way. Windsor is the biggest team we have faced in some time and do a great job using their size on the defensive end as well as the O glass. We were fortunate to hit some tough shots throughout the game to keep our heads above water. Its hard to count on outside shooting to win games so tomorrow we are going to have to take better care of the ball on offense and increase our rebounding effort on the defensive end.

Lakehead Basketball Announces 1st Recruiting Commit for 2012

Hamilton Product Dwayne Harvey Commits to Lakehead University Men’s Basketball

January 26, 2012

Lakehead University Athletics Department is pleased to announce the recent commitment of 5’11” combo guard Dwayne Harvey to transfer to Lakehead University and join the men’s basketball program in September 2012.

Harvey is a graduate of Cathedral High School in Hamilton (2009) from which he signed with NCAADivision 1 Alabama State University. At ASU, Harvey red-shirted during the 2009-10 season before playing 13 minutes per game in 23 games for the Hornets including the first round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. Harvey transferred from ASU to Wilbur Wright College in Chicago for the current season where he is averaging over 11 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds per contest with the Rams.

Lakehead Assistant Coach Matt Erdman, a fellow Cathedral alum, has been a part of Harvey’s recruitment starting in 2007 and again since leaving Alabama State; “ It is great that we are able to add a player of Dwayne’s caliber to our program. Having watched and known him since his early years at Cathedral, I am confident he will not only add strength to our guard rotation but also be a fine addition to the campus and local community.”

Harvey, a member of the Dean’s list at Alabama State, is expected to enroll at Lakehead University this summer and is looking forward to joining his future teammates; “I am excited to have committed to Thunderwolves basketball and also to finish my studies at Lakehead University where I can reach my academic goals.” Said Harvey from his current residence in Chicago, “It will be an honor to play for one of the CIS contenders and fun to run up and down with a good group of hard working players like Greg Carter, Ryan Thomson and the rest of the lineup.”

Lakehead Head Coach Scott Morrison feels Harvey is a great fit for the program; “Dwayne is someone our coaching staff and many of our current players have been familiar with for some time. We feel that he will have no trouble sliding into our current system and show that he is an elite player for the next three seasons. He has been successful on the court and in the classroom during each phase of his career and we are excited to welcome him to our basketball family.”

As a high school senior with the Cathedral Gaels, Harvey earned the distinction of being only the second Canadian to be named Most Outstanding Player at the prestigious Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament. (Known as the top Catholic School tournament in North America) Dwayne joined past winners such as NBA players Mark Karcher, Kyle Lowry, Rasual Butler and Carmelo Anthony.

Harvey is known for his up-tempo style of play and sound ball pressure. With three years of eligibility remaining he is expected to add depth to next season’s back court while providing a longer term answer at the guard spot for the ‘Wolves who will graduate up to seven players in 2013.

A Hamilton Spectator feature on Dwayne Harvey playing in the NCAA Tournament (March 2011)

Lakehead 91 McMaster 71 (Video & Media)

Game 2 Video Highlights (Lakehead vs McMaster)

Tbnewswatch.com Game 2 Story (Leith Dunick)

Lakehead Sweeps McMaster with 91-71 Victory

Despite another terrible start to the game (this time McMaster went up 10-0), the #2 ranked Lakehead Thunderwolves picked up their defense and ball control starting in the second quarter and would battle back into the game at the half before taking over in the decisive 3rd quarter.

Victor Raso and Cam Michaud each went 2-3 from long range in the first half to lead McMaster to a 41-38 half-time advantage. 8 first quarter turnovers did not help LU's cause in the opening segment and neither did getting out-rebounded 7-5 on the offensive glass.

However the third quarter was a different story as Lakehead's turnovers became assists and their defensive pressure began to wear on the Marauders forcing 17 turnovers in the game. The second half glass was won by Lakehead to the tune of 11-3 on the O boards (16-10 for the game). LU's scorers also heated up as Venzal Russell slashed his way to 28 points and 7 assists and his second consecutive game with 5 steals. Ryan Thomson also broke a short shooting slump going 5-6 from long range adding 6 rebounds to his 18 points. Greg Carter did not finish as well tonight but still had 9 assists and 3 steals to only 1 turnover in 30 minutes. Ben Johnson hit 4-6 from three point range as well for 17 points and 5 assists.

Coach Morrison on the win:

I was pleased with our effort for 3 quarters tonight. We did a better job on the glass and moved the ball more effectively on offense. Our slow starts are a concern and I have challenged the team to get themselve more focused and ready to play for tip-off next week. Time to focus our efforts towards Windsor who is the hottest team in the OUA right now and will present many new challenges for us to prepare.

Lakehead vs McMaster (Game 1 Highlights)

Lakehead 83 McMaster 76 (Video Highlights)

Game 2 Tonight 8pm!

www.ssncanada.ca

Lakehead Wins Weekend Opener 83-76 Over McMaster

It was a tale of two halves on Friday night in the Thunderdome as the McMaster Marauders jumped out of the gate winning the first two quarters in route to a 19-12 first quarter, and 40-31 half-time lead. McMaster played great team ball with 8 different players touching the mesh and getting on the score sheet in the first half. Lakehead shot 0-8 from 3pt land in the opening segment while McMaster, the nation's leaders in 3 point shots were a costly 4-10. Adam Johnson gave LU a spark off the bench and helped keep the score respectable with a 4-7 shooting performance including a put-back dunk.

The second half saw a much more energized Lakehead defense as the 'Wolves did a better job getting back in transition and holding McMaster to one shot. Venzal Russell and Ben Johnson caught some momentum and led LU to a 25-16 3rd quarter which tied the game going into the final ten minutes. In the 4th LU pulled ahead by 5 with under 4 minutes remaining but Victor Raso hit three buckets in a row with an LU defender in his shorts to keep his team within striking distance until the final buzzer.

Yoosrie Salhia was a force for LU as he recorded an impressive double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds (added 2 blocks and 3 assists). Greg Carter had another strong game with 10 points on 5-7 shooting adding 6 assists to only 1 turnover. Russell had 19 and 5 steals, Ben Johnson had 14 points and 6 assists. Ryan Thomson struggled shooting but contributed with 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 0 turnovers in 25 minutes.

For McMaster Cam Michaud had 14 and 7, Adam Presutti had a solid game with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists to only 2 turnovers in 31 minutes.

Coach Morrison on the Win:

As good as we looked at times in the second half; we were very fortunate to escape with the win after a poor showing and effort in the first half. We have a great record right now but we depend on 100% effort from our players as well as executing a team orientated game plan to get wins. When one of those factors is not evident on the court - we risk getting blown out of the gym. MAC is a well coached team with some veteran players to go with talented freshmen, we better be at our best for a longer period of time tomorrow night.

Carleton, Lakehead are #1 & #2 in CIS Men's Basketball

FROM OUA.CACIS Top Ten: OUA holds one-two spots in men's basketball

Posted by: Andrea Elliott (Communications Assistant)

Email to a Friend | Print

1/17/2012 12:14:52 PM

OTTAWA (CIS) – There is only one change this week at the top of CIS national rankings, as the University of Guelph Gryphons grab the pole position in women’s track and field.

In other CIS sports, Regina (women’s basketball and men’s wrestling), Carleton (men’s basketball), McGill (women’s hockey), UNB (men’s hockey), Calgary (women’s swimming), Dalhousie (men’s swimming), Guelph (men’s track and field), UBC (women’s volleyball), Trinity Western (men’s volleyball) and Alberta (women’s wrestling) all maintain their No. 1 status.

In women’s basketball, top-ranked Regina easily improved to 11-0 in conference play with a pair of road wins over Manitoba, 84-60 and 105-52. The Cougars are back on home court this weekend to face No. 10 Fraser Valley (9-3) and Trinity Western (6-6).

In men’s hoops, Carleton (12-0) also remained perfect in regular season action with road victories against Ryerson, 87-56, and Toronto, 98-64. The Ravens play three games in four nights this week, starting on Wednesday when they face cross-town rival Ottawa (8-4) in the sixth annual MBNA Capital Hoops Classic at Scotiabank Place. The reigning CIS champions then host Queen’s (0-12) and RMC (0-12) on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

In women’s hockey, McGill (12-1-0) and Olympic gold medallist Charline Labonté posted a pair of shutout wins last weekend, 4-0 over Concordia and 5-0 versus No. 10 Montreal. The Martlets host Carleton (4-4-3) on Sunday.

In men’s hockey, UNB (13-3-2) holds on to the No. 1 spot despite a rare winless weekend. The Varsity Reds lost 2-1 at No. 10 Saint Mary’s on Friday and 5-4 in a shootout at StFX on Saturday. The University Cup champs hope to get back in the win column this weekend when they face No. 7 Moncton (12-6-0) and UPEI (11-7-0).

In women’s volleyball, UBC easily handled visiting Thompson Rivers and improved to 11-1 in Canada West action with a pair of straight-set victories. The Thunderbirds should be tested later this week when they host No. 5 Manitoba (9-3) for a Friday-Saturday doubleheader.

In men’s volleyball, Trinity Western (12-0) made a statement on home court last weekend, defeating No. 3 Alberta 3-1 and 3-0. The Spartans host No. 10 Winnipeg (6-8) on Friday and Saturday.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

(regular season record) / votes (first-place votes) / (previous rankings)

1. Regina (11-0) / 396 pts (33) / (1)
2. Windsor (11-2) / 362 / (2)

3. UBC (8-2) / 331 / (3)

4. Saskatchewan (7-4) / 295 / (5)
5. Alberta (9-3) / 252 / (6)

6. Carleton (8-4) / 237 / (4)

7. Ottawa (10-2) / 206 / (7)

8. Acadia (7-1) / 157 / (9)

9. Brock (10-3) / 111 / (8)
10. Fraser Valley (9-3) / 94 / (NR)

Other teams receiving votes: Toronto (58), Concordia (36), Saint Mary’s (28).

MEN’S BASKETBALL

(regular season record) / votes (first-place votes) / (previous rankings)

1. Carleton (12-0) / 516 pts (44) / (1)
2. Lakehead (10-2) / 460 / (3)

3. UBC (8-2) / 419 / (5)

4. StFX (7-2) / 362 / (2)
5. Saskatchewan (7-4) / 321 / (4)

6. Wilfrid Laurier (10-2) / 312 / (7)

7. Victoria (10-2) / 281 / (6)

8. Alberta (8-4) / 238 / (8)

9. Concordia (5-0) / 184 / (9)

10. Fraser Valley (7-5) / 92 / (10)

Other teams receiving votes: Ottawa (58), Windsor (37).

Lakehead Host McMaster in OUA West Showdown

From Lakehead SID - HUGH MULLALLY

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January19, 2012

Six Home Games This Weekend, 'Think Pink' on Saturday

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The Thunderdome will be alive with varsity athletics activity this weekend, as the men's and women's basketball teams host McMaster for a weekend series (Friday-Saturday), and the women's volleyball team hosts Queen's for 2 games (Saturday-Sunday). All of the games played on Saturday will feature 'Think Pink' fundraisers and other activities in support of breast cancer research in North Western Ontario. Game times listed below.

Men's Basketball (10-2, 1st in the OUA West)

The men take on the 9-3 McMaster Marauders, who sit 4th in the OUA West.

Orienting their offense largely on the long-ball, they rank 1st in the country in 3-point attempts (28.6 per game) and 2nd in made 3's (9.8 per game) for an average of 34.4% overall. Junior guard Victor Raso is averaging 13.5 PPG and 6 rebounds per game - he also leads the nation in free throw percentage at 93.8%. Fourth year veteran Nathan Pelech (6'4", 210 lbs) is currently shooting 44.1% from long range and leads the team in that regard. Guard Cam Michaud has also been scoring 11.2 PPG so far this season.

The key to Lakehead's success will be closing out on McMaster shooters and controlling the glass. This task could prove more difficult as the mid-season injuries are starting to take their toll, with Joey Nitichoruk out this weekend with a stomach virus, and Yoosrie Salhia (stomach flu) and Greg Carter (lower body) status' listed as questionable heading into the weekend.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"McMaster is one of the top teams in the CIS when you combine their youth with their ability to compete with the best in the CIS. In addition to their 'young guns' they offer a couple of all-star quality players in Vic Raso and Cam Michaud. We are going to have build on and learn from our previous weekend vs Laurier where we saw how important taking care of the ball on offense as well as taking care of rebounding can be."

Game time is 8 pm Friday and Saturday.

Game coverage is available via SSN webcast (www.ssncanada.ca/games) and CILU Radio, 102.7 FM andwww.luradio.ca

Laurier Wins Game 2 92-89, Lakehead Holds 'Split'

In another shoot-out in Waterloo, the Laurier Golden Hawks made tough shots down the stretch to edge the Lakehead Thunderwolves 92-89. A Venzal Russell steal of a WLU inbounds pass with 1.8 seconds led to a game tying 3pt attempt that rimmed out.

Costly turnovers including a "3 in the key" call with 1:35 remaining in the game did not help the LU cause but credit to Laurier for hitting tough shots during the entire game.

Laurier was led by Kale Harrison who had 19 points and 6 rebounds and possible game MVP Conor Meschino had 16 points on 4-8 shooting, most of which came in the third quarter when LU was making a run.

Lakehead had 6 players in double figures led by Ryan Thomson who had 19 ponts and 11 rebounds and 0 turnovers in 36 minutes of action. Greg Carter, who was banged up in Friday's win, toughed out 34 minutes adding 12 points 6 assists and 3 steals. Ben Johnson had 18 points on 5-10 shooting.

From a team perspective WLU won the valuable rebound battle grabbing 13 rebounds on 36 misses while LU grabbed 12 on 39 misses. Turnovers were also key as LU had 15 to WLU's 11.

Coach Morrison on the Loss.

Credit to Laurier - I thought our defence was actually better tonight but guys like Coulthard and Buckley hit timely shots late in the shot clock with hands in their faces. I was disappointed with our turnovers and poor finishing in the fourth quarter - better execution might have got us over the hump. No time to reflect on this weekend with a tough opponent like McMaster coming to the Thunderdome next weekend.

Video Highlights Lakehead 88 Laurier 83

Lakehead 88 Laurier 83 (Video Highlights)

Lakehead Wins Opener vs #7 Laurier 88-83

The #3 ranked Lakehead Thunderwolves won a tough game over the #7 ranked Laurier Golden Hawks 88-83 tonight in Waterloo. After a hot 10-0 start to begin the game, the Thunderwolves fell victim to a classic Laurier offensive explosion as the Hawks regrouped and went on a 42 - 22 run before Ryan Thomson knocked down a couple of free throws at the end of the 2nd quarter to make it 44-39 Laurier at the half.

The second half saw the 'Wolves better contain Laurier's potent transition offense and regained the lead by 5 at the end of the third. Big three's by Greg Carter, Ben Johnson and Brendan King in the 4th helped LU get a 12 point cushion with 6 minutes left, but as predicted Laurier kept coming and made it a nail-biter down-the-stretch. Lakehead held on for a 5 point lead in game 1 of a big OUA West double-header.

For Lakehead Venzal Russell had 24 on 9-28 shooting. Greg Carter had a big game with 15 points on 7-8 shooting with 6 steals. Ryan Thomson and Brendan King shot the ball well combining for 32 points and 4-8 shooting from long range.

Laurier was led by all-Canadian Kale Harrison who had 24 on 9-18 shooting with Max Allin and Pat Donnelly adding 12 and 11 respectively.

The team stats were highlighted by Lakehead's 20 offensive boards (Laurier had 11 of their own). Laurier had the FT edge (17-23 vs 13-20) and Lakehead won the battle of 3pt % going 7-23 as a team (6-16 second half) to Laurier's 2-14 (1-7 each half).

Coach Scott Morrison on the win:

As expected this was a tough game that saw both sides make runs. Laurier is a potent offensive team that keeps coming at you. In the first half they really taught us a lesson about transition. The key to our comeback was our ability to get better looks and O boards in the second half that limited their transition opportunities. Our goal now is to get ourselves focused on tomorrow's game and get ready to compete at 100% for another forty minutes.

Game time tomorrow is 8pm at Laurier.

Lakehead Hits Road to Face #7 Laurier

From SID Hugh Mullally

Scott Morrison's troops will have to pack a lunch with them this weekend, as they put their 9-1 record on the line against 'Pistol' Pete Campbell's 9-1 Laurier Golden Hawks, as both teams vie for top spot in the OUA West.

Laurier is led by outside shooters Max Allin and Kale Harrison, while forwards Matt Buckley and Patrick Donnelly provide tough checks in the paint for Lakehead posts. Laurier's high-octane offense, which typically scores in the 80's, has produced 100+ point games this season. It will be key for Lakehead to control the flow of the game with their defense and not get into a shootout, especially on the second night when the 'Wolves' legs will likely be more fatigued. That being said, the bench has proven themselves capable of stepping up when called upon by Morrison to make stops and execute down the stretch.

Coach Morrison's focus is on transition defense and controlling the glass:

"This weekend brings the toughest back-to-back games we have played on the road this season. Laurier has many weapons on the floor and play well together- our first priorities for the weekend include finding Laurier's snipers in transition as well as giving our best effort of the 2nd half on the boards."

Game times Friday and Saturday are 8 pm.

Webcasts of the games @ Laurier are available at : www.laurierathletics.com/live

Thunderwolves Set Up "Feeding Station"

The Lakehead Thunderwolves kicked off their 6th annual Shelterhouse partnership on Sunday night as the first group of players and coaches cooked up a patented first night menu of spaghetti and meat sauce.

Led by superfan (And head Team Chef) Roger Quirion, the team cooked up a big vat of "Coach's meat sauce" to go with some fresh vegetables and delicious spaghetti (different than spaghettini as we learned on Sunday night).

For the sixth year in a row, the team will cook up and serve a meal for 150+ patrons of Shelter House on each of their home weekend Sundays of the OUA West schedule. The next meal will be held January 22nd and will feature a piping hot serving of 'Greg Carter Chili'.

Game 2 Vs Western Highlights

Lakehead 87 Western 66 Video Highlights

Lakehead Sweeps Western with 87-66 Victory

The Lakehead Thunderwolves had the opposite start on Saturday night as they did on Friday as Western opened up the game with an 8-1 run and won the 1st quarter 21-17. In the second quarter Lakehead focused its defense and held the Mustangs to 11 points and a Ryan Thomson buzzer beater put the 'Wolves up 4 at the half; 36-32.

The third quarter opened with Venzal Russell leading the charge for LU as he scored 10 straight points himself and helped give Lakehead a big cushion heading into the 4th quarter 64-45. However in the 4th quarter Western's Peter Scholtes took over the game and brought Western back as he scored 24 of his game high 35 in the 2nd half. Scholtes took the 'Wolves off the bounce, stepped out for 3 and posted up and finished inside.

Lakehead was able to re-group and win the quarter (23-21) and the game.

Western played without all-star Ryan Barbeau and starting wing Quinn Henderson. Mustang role players also stepped up and as a team they shot 10-20 from 3pt range but only 8-15 from the FT line. Lakehead on the other hand shot 11-26 from 3pt but a solid 12-15 from the FT line.

Lakehead was led by Venzal Russell with 25 points and 3 steals (10-17 shooting), Joe Jones 16 points on 6-8 shooting and Greg Carter who had 13 points, 5 assists and 2 steals in only 20 minutes of play after sitting out much of the first half with two quick fouls. Ryan Thomson added 10 points and led all rebounders with 6.

Coach Morrison on tonight's win:

It was not our prettiest effort but it was good to see some guys like Russell, King and Jones have good games after struggling a bit since the break. Western's team really stepped up in the absence of two of their main guys and of course Scholtes was possibly the best player on the court offensively over the 80 minutes this weekend. This week in practice we will be working on our man defense discipline as well as looking to create some more opportunities on the glass before we travel to Waterloo to take on the hottest team in the OUA West right now in Laurier.

Lakehead 91 Western 73 (Video Highlights)

Click here for last night's video highlights (Lakehead 91 Western 73)

Lakehead Beats Western 91-73 in Game 1

A hot start and even hotter second quarter gave the Lakehead Thunderwolves a 55-32 lead at the half on the strength of 8-16 shooting from 3pt land in the first half. The Mustangs showed some good toughness to open the second half however, drawing some fouls on LU's guards and beating the 'wolves to the paint off the dribble. Western would win the 3rd quarter 25-18 but Lakehead would regroup and, led by Yoosrie Salhia in the 4th quarter, pull ahead for good.

Ryan Barbeau and Peter Scholtes (before fouling out late) put forth excellent games for UWO: Barbeau shot 10-13 for 24 points in 38 minutes of action - drawing the attention of LU's best defenders the entire game. Scholtes was an inside-outside threat dropping 19 points and adding 3 assists to only 1 turnover.

Lakehead was led by Ryan Thomson who hit on 6-9 from 3pt land for 23 points. Thomson added 4 asissts in 33 minutes of action. Salhia had 18 points and shot 4-5 from the free throw line while Venzal Russell had 12 points and 7 assists. Matthew Schmidt had 10 points and 3 assists off the bench for Lakehead.

Coach Morrison on tonight's game:

A great start was the key to the win tonight and much credit to Western for battling hard after their slow 1st quarter. We were fortunate to have shot well from the outside because Western won the battle of penetration tonight including two all-star calibre performances from Barbeau and Scholtes. I expect both teams to make some adjustments tonight and to see a 40 minute OUA West battle again tomorrow night. We are definitely going to have to do a better job making Scholtes catches tougher and keeping Barbeau outside of the paint on his dribble.

Lakehead Hosts Western to Open OUA West Schedule

From SID Hugh Mullally

The men's team look to improve on their 7-1 record (2nd in OUA West) against the 3-5 Western Mustangs.

Key Players for Western:

#1 option is Ryan Barbeau, who is a good outside shooter and gets to the FT line and attacks off the bounce;
#2 option is Peter Scholtes. Big man who can put it on the floor from the high post area, bang down low and step out to the 3pt line and knock down shots.

Adam Jesperson has been hurt and is unknown as to his status.

Coach Scott Morrison, whose team went 3-0 over the Christmas break in Montreal, is looking for his team to get back to league play at their usual high standard of play:

"We experienced both good and bad moments on the court in Montreal, but at the end of the day we had three tough games that have hopefully helped prepare us for the 'real games' starting this Friday night. Like the rest of our conference, Western is a real tough team that executes well and has a couple of all-star caliber players in Barbeau and Scholtes. It is tough to contain those to guys let alone without worrying about their teammates who seem to all be able to knock down the 3 and finish around the hoop in transition. We are going to have to execute on both ends of the floor to put ourselves in a position to win in crunch time."

Game times are Friday and Saturday @ 8 pm.

Game coverage will be available on SSN Canada (www.ssncanada.ca/games) and CILU, 102.7 FM.

Lakehead 87 UQAM 77 (Video Highlights)

Lakehead over UQAM Dec 29/2011 - Video highlights