Wolves Open OUA Season In Toronto

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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