'Wolves Wrap Up 1st Half Hosting Laurentian/York

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Movember 29, 2012

T-Wolves Welcome Voyageurs, Lions to Thunderdome

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The basketball teams will be in action this weekend at home, their final games before the winter break. On Friday the Laurentian Voyageurs will be in town, followed by the York Lions on Saturday eve. Both women's and men's Thunderwolf squads are in need of a win, with both of their records standing at 1-4. The men's saving grace thus far has been that their record is in common company with the rest of OUA West opponents (5 teams with only 1 win), and needing only 2 wins to be tied for 2nd place. The women's team has a tougher outlook amongst their divisional rivals, not to mention the CIS #1 Windsor Lancers. 

Men (1-4)

The men take on a Voyageurs team (5-1) they narrowly defeated in overtime last year, 99-95 in Sudbury. This year's game should be just as tough, given that Laurentian brings back the majority of their roster, including senior Manny Pasquale, who is averaging 16.2 points and over 10 three-point attempts per game.

For York (3-3), David Tyndale has scored 17.3 points per game thus far, and is complimented by Daniel Tulloch, Nick Tufegdzich and Raheem Isaac, who are all scoring around 10 points per game.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"This weekend we tip-off against two very tough teams in Laurentian and York. Laurentian on Friday poses a challenge of guarding 5 quicker players all capable of scoring. We are going to have to move our feet defensively and close-out well to keep their numerous perimeter attackers from getting to the hoop or drawing help for open looks from 3pt range. York has a number of threats from the outside as well as an underrated front court that can step outside as well as play above the rim. We are working towards sticking to our game plan for each team for 40 minutes starting with Laurentian Friday night - our goal is to finish the semester on a positive note and hit the break with some solid building blocks for the OUA West schedule in 2013."

Game times:

Friday vs Laurentian 6pm (women) 8pm (men)

Saturday vs York  6pm (women) 8 pm(men)

Webcast Coverage will be provided via SSN Canada

Audio broadcast will be available via CILU Radio, 102.7 FM and www.luradio.ca

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Ravens Stomp 'Wolves, Team Looks to Ottawa U Tonight

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Movember 23, 2012

T-Wolves Lose Large vs Ravens, 94-53

OTTAWA, Ont. - 

The men's basketball team's early season woes got no smaller on Friday evening, taking a sound beating from the CIS #1 Carleton Ravens, 94-53. With the loss their OUA regular season record slips to 1-3.

Lakehead stuck with the reigning national champs for the first quarter, trailing 17-11 after 10 minutes, but couldn't compete much past that point, giving up a 29-13 2nd quarter.

Halftime score was 46-24 Ravens, and they would cruise from there.

As was expected, the Ravens' starters came to play, Philip Scrubb setting the pace for the Carleton offense, totalling 20 points in his 27 minutes of play. Clinton Spring-Williams would also hurt the T-Wolves, scoring 16 points (4-of-7 from three).

For Lakehead, Matt Schmidt was the top scorer with 11, followed by Dwayne Harvey with 10. As a team Lakehead shot 13-46 from the field (28%), compared to Carleton's 32-63 (51%). The only apparent battle Lakehead won was from the free throw line, going 22-29 (76%) to Carleton's 20-28 (71%).

Lakehead was out-rebounded 38-20, and committed 13 turnovers to CU's 6.

Lakehead coach Scott Morrison:

"Our biggest problem right now is maintaining our defensive intensity for an entire half let alone a game. We struggled offensively most of the night but I saw some bright spots in our defense at times. Unfortunately the teams we are playing are too strong to have a quarter of defensive letdowns like we did in the 2nd quarter. Carleton always makes their opponent pay for miscues resulting in open looks and tonight was no different. Big game for us tomorrow against Ottawa."

The men will play the Ottawa Gee-Gees tomorrow evening at 8pm, with webcast coverage provided via SSN Canada.

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

'Wolves Look to Bounce Back Against Two of The CIS' Best

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Movember 21, 2012

Basketball Teams to Head Nation's Capital

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The basketball teams will head to Ottawa this weekend for what has perennially been the toughest duo of match-ups in OUA league play for many teams: the Carleton Ravens and the Ottawa Gee-Gees.

The Ravens will host the T-Wolves on Friday night, followed by hospitality at Montpettit Hall on Saturday provided by the Gee-Gees. Game times are 6 & 8 pm.

The Ravens are nationally ranked #1 on the men's side, and #5 for the women's team. The Gee-Gees, while not in the Top 10, are still a very tough out at home.

Men (1-2)

While Lakehead's men's team is still clutching to the #9 ranking nationally, they have many other priorities ahead of rankings. Namely, how to slow down the well oiled machine that is the Carleton Ravens, led by Tyson Hinz and Philip Scrubb. Hinz is shooting 63% from the field with 17.2 PPG and grabbing 6.2 rebounds per game while playing an average of 33 minutes per contest. Scrubb is scoring at a 19.5 PPG clip, and also playing 33 minutes per game and has connected on 14 of his 32 long range attempts thus far (44%).

The Gee-Gees are led by Johnny Berhanemeskel, who is averaging 21 PPG and 5th year veteran Warren Ward, who has put in 14.5 PPG thus far in 2012-13 OUA season play.

For Lakehead, they will be without forward Anthony McIntosh who suffered a nasty ankle sprain against Toronto two weeks ago, and Ryan Thomson's status is still listed as day-to-day. 

Lakehead's veterans have been doing their best to fill in the gaps left by Thomson and McIntosh, but will have to dig a little deeper this weekend if they hope to turn things around in these marquis matchups.

Lakehead coach Scott Morrison:

"While we have not gotten the quick start we had hoped for in OUA play, we must remember that our goal for this season was to be playing our best basketball in February and March.  We have to find our comfort zone on the defensive end as well as increase our urgency in transition and on the glass. Things are not getting any easier for us this weekend with two formidable opponents. Like it or not, our early season struggles have given us a needed wake-up call and I am expecting improved play from our team this weekend."

Game times are 6 pm (women) & 8 pm (men) both evenings.

Webcast coverage will be provided via SSN Canada

Wolves Open OUA Home Schedule Vs Queens

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Movember 14, 2012

Basketball Teams Host Queen's Friday Night

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The men's and women's basketball teams will host the Queen's Gaels on Friday evening (Women at 6, Men at 8 pm) in the Thunderdome. A note to fans that this will be 'Pots and Pans' night at the Thunderdome, with free macaroni and cheese being awarded to the loudest fans. While most homestands are double headers for Lakehead teams, this weekend will only be a single night of action, due to the absence this year of Queen's traveling partner, the RMC Paladins' basketball teams (who disbanded earlier this year).

Men (1-1)

The men's team took a hard loss last Friday against Ryerson (69-64), resulting in a slip from #5 to #7 in the national rankings this week. The loss seemed to have a positive effect on their play Saturday, when they easily beat up on U of T by 20+ points. The Queen's Gaels, meanwhile are 2-0 and are tied for 1st in OUA East standings (with Ryerson) for the first time in recent memory, coming off wins vs Laurier (83-80) and Waterloo (83-63).

Forward Greg Faulkner is leading the Gaels in scoring and rebounding with 22 points per game and 12 RPG. It will be a test to Lakehead's interior defense to shut him down, although they'll be short-handed as Anthony McIntosh is out with an ankle sprain and Ryan Thomson listed as doubtful, recovering from a nagging upper body injury. It will test the wills of starting center Yoosrie Salhia, power forward Brendan King, along with that of local stud Matt Schmidt to lock down the paint against a potent Gaels' forward in Faulkner.

Head Coach Scott Morrison:

"After 13 games [including preseason] we have shown signs of playing to our potential, but still need to strive for a full 40 minutes of execution. With only one game this weekend we have no excuse to waiver our focus from a tough Queen's team.  They are a dangerous transition team specializing in strong ball movement that will force us to execute our transition and half court defense at a high level. Our own goals will include carrying over the strong team effort we received at U of T last Saturday night."

Game times - Friday, Nov 16:

Women vs Queen's Gaels - 6 pm

Men vs Queen's Gaels - 8 pm

These games will be webcast via SSN Canada;

and broadcast via LU Radio, 102.7 FM in Thunder Bay, and online at www.luradio.ca

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

CBC Film Based on Experience of LU's Robichaud & Bathurst Phantoms Airs Sunday

CBC will debut its latest feature film "The Phantoms" on Sunday November 18th.  The movie is inspired by the real life story of the 2009 Bathurst High School Phantoms.  Lakehead's Alex Robichaud was a member of the team and a character in the movie is also inspired by his personal experience.

A quick trailer for the movie can be found HERE

Robichaud was a member of the Phantoms' roster in 2008-09 and 2009-10 before moving with his family to Superior High School for his senior year 2010-11.

For More Information on the True Events Click HERE

Or HERE

                                            Robichaud & The Phantoms. February 2009

Wolves Win, Finish 1-1 in Toronto

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Movember 10, 2012

T-Wolves Even Record With Win vs Blues

TORONTO, ON -

The men's basketball team took care of business on Saturday evening, earning a 94-73 win against the U of Toronto Varsity Blues and bringing their record to 1-1 on the season.

The first half was a fairly even contest, with the score 45-39 for Lakehead at the break.

It was in the second 20 minutes that T-Wolves would separate themselves from the Blues, scoring 27 compared to the Blues' 19 in the third quarter. They would continue exacting their will to the final buzzer, finishing with a 22-15 advantage in the final quarter to snuff out any inkling of a Toronto comeback.

Top scorers for LU were Ben Johnson and Dwayne Harvey with 16 apiece (Harvey also had 9 rebounds and 4 assists), while Joe Jones scored 13 with 5 rebounds. Yoosrie Salhia had a game-high 13 rebounds to go with 8 points, 3 blocks and 3 assists.

Top Blues' scorer was Arun Kumar with 19. Ben Garvin had 17 and Alex Hill 16.

Lakehead out-rebounded U of T 52-28, with an impressive 24 offensive rebounds, of which Harvey and Salhia had 13.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"I was pleased with the effort the guys gave tonight after a tough loss last night. We are only successful when we outwork the other team and play together for 40 minutes. We are getting closer each night but still have a lot of work to do."

The men's and women's basketball teams will play their home openers next weekend versus the Queens Gaels.

Injury report: Ryan Thomson was out of the line-up this weekend with an upper body injury. His return date is currently unclear and his status listed as day-to-day.

Tough one in Toronto for the 'Wolves

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Movember 9, 2012

Men's Hoops Downed 69-64 by Ryerson

TORONTO, ON -

The men's basketball team could not redeem themselves against the Ryerson Rams on Friday evening, losing 69-64.

The first scoring play for Lakehead was a three pointer by Yoosrie Salhia, which is not out-of-the question, but perhaps not the way one might expect the 'Wolves to begin. Lakehead built off of it early getting out to a 9-2 lead at 4:40 of the first quarter, which was reversed to a Ryerson 10-9 lead by 2:35 of the quarter. They managed to salvage the cause for a 13-12 lead after one.

The game's pace would not get any faster from there, especially for the T-Wolves, who were out-scored 23-12 in the second quarter. Half time score was 35-25 for the Rams. After mounting a 17-12 rally in the 3rd quarter, both teams were dug in deep, with neither giving an inch in the key or anywhere on the court.

Lakehead would battle all the way back, led by Yoosrie Salhia under the hoop, who finished with 11 rebounds (4 offensive) and a game-high 21 points. LU went ahead 53-50 on a Brendan King 3-pointer. From there it was a dog fight all the way down the stretch, with the Rams coming up with a few key offensive rebounds when it mattered most.

The T-Wolves were out-rebounded 36-34 on the game.

Brendan King finished with 12 points. Matthew Schmidt had 10.

For the Rams, Aaron Best had 19 points, Jahmal Jones 17 and Bjorn Michaelson 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Lakehead coach Scott Morrison:

"We didn't do a great job sticking to our defensive game plan and following the rules we have laid out for ourselves, especially in the second quarter. They came up with a couple offensive boards when we missed our assignments late in the game. Credit to coach Rana and his team for getting a tough victory. We've got a tough turnaround to play Toronto tomorrow night, and we'll have to execute defensively tomorrow what we didn't tonight."

The men's team play U of Toronto tomorrow evening at 8 pm. Webcast will be available via SSN Canada.

Wolves Open OUA Season In Toronto

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Movember 7, 2012

Thunderwolves Begin Season vs Ryerson, U of T

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The basketball teams will begin their OUA seasons this weekend on the road in Toronto as they take on the Ryerson Rams and the U of T Varsity Blues. Adding to the fanfare, the games versus Ryerson will mark the first OUA regular season games played in their new facility, the Mattamy Athletic Center, historically known as Maple Leaf Gardens, but now renovated to accommodate both basketball and hockey (and a supermarket).

Men (8-3 pre-season)

Friday's game against Ryerson has likely been the most prominent on the OUA schedule in the minds of the men's team since the OUA schedule was announced this past summer. It is no mystery why. The last time these two teams met it was in the heat and hardship of the OUA Final Four tournament, a game in which Ryerson soundly ran Lakehead off the floor (86-70) and out of the running to repeat as OUA Champions. To say they have a score to settle would be an understatement.

Lakehead will be trying to contain the likes of Jahmal Jones and Aaron Best, who at 6'0 and 6'4, respectively, hold a height advantage over their likely defenders, Greg Carter and Ben Johnson. Jones, his third year is no stranger to playing 40 minutes per game, and will present a challenge to Lakehead defenders who allowed him 18 points and 7 assists the last time out. Aaron Best scored 26 with 8 rebounds in the Rams' playoff win versus Lakehead last year.

Moving onto the Toronto matchup, Lakehead captured the victory versus the Blues last year, 68-63 to begin the 2011-12 season. They are led by guard Alex Hill and veteran post Ben Garvin, who have both scored over 20 points (and in Hill's case, 30 points) in the preseason against various opponents.

Head coach Scott Morrison:

"After a tough non-conference schedule we will be thrown directly into the conference fire with an opening match-up against Ryerson. Ryerson has one of the top starting line-ups in the CIS and their young roster gains confidence and experience with each season. For starters, we must give extra effort on the glass and take care of the ball and hope to slow down their transition game. University of Toronto has a smaller lineup but can really stretch the floor with a number of excellent outside shooters and attackers on the perimeter. 

Morrison continues, "We are hoping to execute at our highest level so far this season and I expect our players to raise their level of focus and intensity with the beginning of this next phase of the season."

Game time is 8pm, both Friday and Saturday.

Additional preview coverage: Coach Scott Morrison will be interviewed Thursday morning from 11-11:45 am (Eastern) on The Thunderwolves' Sports Feed on CILU Radio, 102.7 FM and www.luradio.ca

Weekend Webcast Coverage

Ryerson Webcast on Friday - via Ryerson Rams Network

U of T Webcast Saturday: SSN Canada

Women at 6pm, Men at 8pm both nights!

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

 Hugh La