Every Weekend is Big As Waterloo Travels to TBay

From SID Hugh "Diesel" Mullally

Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2012
THUNDER BAY, ON

The Skinny

The basketball teams will host the Waterloo Warriors for a weekend series as both T-Wolf squads jockey for playoff position. Game times are 6 and 8 pm, Friday and Saturday.

Webcast coverage will be available via SSN Canada, www.ssncanada.ca/games and play-by-play is available via CILU Radio, 102.7 FM, www.luradio.ca

Men's Match-up (T-Wolves 14-2; Warriors 4-12)

Coming off two big wins on the road in Windsor, Scott Morrison's team aims to finish off the season strong with 4 home games and 2 road games remaining, all against the bottom tier of OUA West opponents. Although Waterloo's record (4-12) could be taken as a comfort going into this weekend, the T-Wolves can take no opponent for granted, given they are two points behind Laurier for first place in the OUA West (with one game in hand). It's also worth noting that Waterloo did defeat the men's team last season.

Waterloo is led by veteran Cam McIntyre, whose status going into the weekend is unknown. He missed both of last weekend's games due to undisclosed reasons (possibly a nagging injury). He has averaged 13.4 PPG this season, and is a very potent threat from outside if not guarded closely. Warriors' guard Mike Wright has put up 14.8 points per contest.

Last Match-up Results

The Warriors took the first game of the double header in Waterloo last year, 79-65, before the 'Wolves recouped a 65-58 win the following evening. In both games Waterloo relied on a sagging defense to limit penetration and control rebounds, while giving up open looks to Lakehead shooters. In the Warriors' win, Lakehead shot 11-37 (30% from three point land), and didn't shoot much better the next game from distance (10-28, 36%), but played better defense to secure the win.

Coach Morrison's Message:

"We are nearing the stretch run in conference play and it starts to become more tempting to start looking towards the end of the season. We have to avoid just that and stay focused on having good practices and executing one game at a time. Waterloo defeated us last season thanks to some great team defense and strong shooting. We are going to have to gear up and give another top notch effort as a team this week."