'Wolves End Semester with Big W Over Windsor

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Men's Hoops Earn 80-71 Win vs Lancers 

Movember 30, 2013 — Windsor, Ont.

Lakehead got some redemption against a division rival on Saturday night, thanks to some hot shooting by Henry Tan, en route to an 80-71 victory over the Windsor Lancers. Tan set a new career high as a Thunderwolf, hitting 5 three's and a total 25 points.

The Thunderwolves wasted little time getting to work, out-scoring Windsor 26-13 in the first quarter. Windsor would keep thing nearly even in the second quarter, as Lakehead held a 43-29 advantage at halftime.

Igor Lebov played a key role, scoring 15 points (2-of-3 from deep) and grabbing 9 rebounds.

Conversely, the Lancers did not have their hot touch from beyond the arc that was present in Friday's game. they hit just 5 of 23 long range attempts (22%).

Lakehead was fortunate to survive a third quarter run by Windsor, who narrowed the lead to 5 points with a Josh Collins jumper. Following an inadvertent buzzer from the scores table, most players on the court eased up, except for Alex Robichaud, who played the referee's whistle, which never blew to stop the play. Robichaud nailed an open three in transition which put the lead back up to 8; he finished with 12 points on the game.

A duo of 4th quarter three's from Tan would seal the win for the 'Wolves, who refused to let Saturday's game slip away, as Friday's game had in crunch time.

Windsor's top scorer was Josh Collins with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Lien Philip scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Dwayne Harvey did a good job distributing the ball, racking up 7 assists, 6 points and 3 steals.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"I'm proud of our guys and with the way we responded tonight after a tough one last night. They were  ready to play from the tip and stuck to the game plan for 40 minutes. We need to continue to become closer as a group over the next month and build on a positive end to the semester."

With the win the men's record improves to 3-7 are they are in 4th place in the OUA West division.

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

'Wolves End Semester with Big W Over Windsor

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Men's Hoops Earn 80-71 Win vs Lancers 

Movember 30, 2013 — Windsor, Ont.

Lakehead got some redemption against a division rival on Saturday night, thanks to some hot shooting by Henry Tan, en route to an 80-71 victory over the Windsor Lancers. Tan set a new career high as a Thunderwolf, hitting 5 three's and a total 25 points.

The Thunderwolves wasted little time getting to work, out-scoring Windsor 26-13 in the first quarter. Windsor would keep thing nearly even in the second quarter, as Lakehead held a 43-29 advantage at halftime.

Igor Lebov played a key role, scoring 15 points (2-of-3 from deep) and grabbing 9 rebounds.

Conversely, the Lancers did not have their hot touch from beyond the arc that was present in Friday's game. they hit just 5 of 23 long range attempts (22%).

Lakehead was fortunate to survive a third quarter run by Windsor, who narrowed the lead to 5 points with a Josh Collins jumper. Following an inadvertent buzzer from the scores table, most players on the court eased up, except for Alex Robichaud, who played the referee's whistle, which never blew to stop the play. Robichaud nailed an open three in transition which put the lead back up to 8; he finished with 12 points on the game.

A duo of 4th quarter three's from Tan would seal the win for the 'Wolves, who refused to let Saturday's game slip away, as Friday's game had in crunch time.

Windsor's top scorer was Josh Collins with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Lien Philip scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Dwayne Harvey did a good job distributing the ball, racking up 7 assists, 6 points and 3 steals.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"I'm proud of our guys and with the way we responded tonight after a tough one last night. They were  ready to play from the tip and stuck to the game plan for 40 minutes. We need to continue to become closer as a group over the next month and build on a positive end to the semester."

With the win the men's record improves to 3-7 are they are in 4th place in the OUA West division.

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Game 1 Goes to Windsor in Tight Battle

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Lancers Prevail, 82-71 Over Thunderwolves

Movember 29, 2013 — Windsor, Ont.

The men's basketball team weathered the storm against the Windsor Lancers for 35 minutes, but eventually folded, 82-71 on Friday evening.

In what has become one of the better rivalries in the OUA West, Lakehead and Windsor duked it out for three quarters, with Lakehead clinging to a 59-57 leads heading into the final frame. The Thunderwolves managed to keep it close and then take the lead with hustle and sharp shooting from the field (49%), although their percentage from behind the arc (13%) and the free throw line (39%) left much to be desired.

It would be Windsor's superior outside shooting that closed the deal in the final quarter for the Lancers, who went 10-of-23 from long distance, including back-to-back triples late in the fourth quarter.

Lakehead's leading scorers were Henry Tan and Anthony McIntosh, who notched 19 and 18 points, respectively. McIntosh also grabbed 9 rebounds. Rookie Australian centre Brent Wallace continued his marked improvement, scoring 7 points with 8 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

Dwayne Harvey and Jamar Coke scored 11 points apiece.

For the Lancers Josh Collins had a game-high 20 points while the OUA West's player of the year Lien Philip scored 15 points with 14 rebounds.

In total there was 9 lead changes and 6 ties throughout the game.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We battled for 40 minutes. Weathered a couple of their runs but the last one in the fourth did us in. Defensively we are pretty good but the 18 offensive rebounds was the difference in the game. Noticeable improvements from this team each game and we must be ready to go tomorrow."

The two teams rematch tomorrow evening at 8pm.

Webcast available via Stretch Internet (Windsor Portal)

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

'Wolves Split At Home With Win Over Toronto

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Thunderwolves Roll to 75-55 Win Over Blues

Movember 22, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The men's basketball team came out on top, 75-55, against the U of Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday evening, marking their first home victory of the '13-14 regular season.

The 'Wolves opened up the game 15-9 after the first quarter, with both teams slow to get into their offensive flow. All nine Toronto points belonged to Dylan Churchill, courtesy of three 3-pointers. Churchill would finish with 15 points.

The 'Wolves showed a new line-up in playing both 7-footers, Brent Wallace (Brisbane, Aus.) and Andrew McCarthy (Scituate, Mass.) simultaneously during parts of the second quarter. Wallace would get into foul trouble and eventually have to sit, but not before a dunk and a blocked shot to his credit. McCarthy had a breakout game, going 7-of-7 from the field for a team-high 16 points in 21 minutes of play, his best output yet as a Thunderwolf.

Toronto kept within striking distance until the fourth quarter when Lakehead would run away with the game in the final 6 minutes.

The Blues were led by Alex Hill with 21 points (12-of-16 FT), while Dakota Laurin grabbed 8 rebounds.

Top scorers for Lakehead were Andrew McCarthy and Anthony McIntosh with 16 points apiece. Dwayne Harvey added 15 points with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Igor Lebov had 8 points and 8 rebounds.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"The boys did a great job of sticking to the plan and responding when Toronto made a run. It was a full team effort and it started with a solid week of practice. Everyone contributed in their own way. Tomorrow is another opportunity to build and get better as a unit."

The men's team take on the Ryerson Rams tomorrow evening at 8:00pm in the Thunderdome.

Webcast coverage available via SSN Canada

Audio Broadcast available via LU Radio 102.7 FM

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Lakehead Falls to Ryerson in Game 2 of Weekend

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

'Wolves Come Up Short Against Rams, 77-65

Movember 23, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The men's basketball team didn't have enough answers on Saturday evening, losing 77-65 to the CIS #6 ranked Ryerson Rams.

Despite the loss, there were visible improvements among the young 'Wolves group who have played 4 of the CIS' top 10 teams thus far in the regular season.

Against a speedy Rams' squad, Lakehead's transition defense was continuously tested, and for about 75% of the game would get a passing grade.

That last quarter (25%) would bite them however, as Lakehead's defense gave up 24 points in the final 10 minutes. That being said the 'Wolves did come within two points, with the score 53-51 early in the fourth quarter, and would have tied the game had a lay-up by Justin Bell fallen through, instead of rattling around the the iron before popping out inexplicably. 

Bell also offered great relief minutes for Lakehead bigs and made his presence in the lane felt by the Rams, finishing with 2 points and 3 rebounds in 7 minutes. Alex Robichaud was another standout for Lakehead, who scored 9 points and was able to draw two charges. Rookie point guard Nolan McKenzie (Oakville, ON) played 17 minutes, racking up 4 assists and nailing a triple to keep Lakehead in the game.

The 'Wolves were led by Anthony McIntosh with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting and a perfect 5-5 from the stripe. Dwayne Harvey had 10 points, and Brent Wallace had his best game yet with 8 points and 5 rebounds.

For Ryerson, Jahmal Jones had a game-high 21 points, and Kadeem Green scored 16 points with 8 rebounds.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"I thought we battled against a very good team tonight. Ryerson made plays down the stretch and essentially that was the difference. We're improving, buying in and sticking to the game plan more and more each week."

The men's team will conclude their pre-Christmas portion of the season in Windsor next weekend against the Lancers.

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Blues and Rams Visit for Basketball Tip Off

Movember 20, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

Basketball action takes over the Thunderdome once again this weekend for the final home games before the December break. Visiting this weekend are the Toronto Varsity Blues (Friday) and the Ryerson Rams (Saturday). Women play at 6pm, men at 8pm.

Thunderwolf Women (3-3)

The women's team enter the weekend following a pair of road victories against Algoma and Laurentian. The U of Toronto women's team (0-5) have had their share of struggles thus far, their closest loss coming by 10 points to the Western Mustangs. In last season's match-up, the Thunderwolves gave up a 63-53 loss to the Blues in Toronto. The Blues are led by Jill Stratton, who averages 9.2 points per game.

The Ryerson Rams (2-4) were on the receiving end of a 63-53 loss by the Thunderwolves one season ago. Kelsey Bardsley scored 15 points in that victory, and has led the 'Wolves offensively in their two previous games. Keneca Pingue-Giles has led the Rams this season with 11.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Coach Jon Kreiner:

"These are two huge games when you look at the standings in the OUA West. Toronto and Ryerson are two dangerous teams that have size and athleticism. We will need to be ready to rebound and play post defense."

Thunderwolf Men (1-5)

Despite their struggles of late, it's worth noting that the 'Wolves record at this point of the season last year is identical to what it stands at today. Working a slew of new players into the Lakehead system continues with mixed results. The Varsity Blues (2-3) are also a program in transition with the arrival of new head coach John Campbell. Leading the Blues is 5th year senior Alex Hill, scoring 27.6 points and grabbing 6.8 rebounds per game.

The team from Ryerson has had the 'Wolves number of late, winning the past two meetings. The 1-2 punch of guards Aaron Best and Jahmal Jones (11.5 and 17.7 PPG, respectively) should provide a challenge to Lakehead's backcourt. It's worth noting that the Rams are the 5th best rebounding team in the country.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"Regardless of the outcomes so far, we need to continue to stay positive, become closer as a group and build. This weekend brings in two quality opponents and gives us another opportunity to get better as a group. The focus for the weekend is sticking to the game plan keeping in mind it's a process."

Game Schedule

Fri, Nov 22 vs. Toronto Varsity Blues
6:00 pm Women

8:00 pm Men

Sat, Nov 23 vs Ryerson Rams

6:00 pm Women

8:00 pm Men

Game Coverage available via SSN Canada webcast

Audio broadcast available via LU Radio, 102.7FM

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

'Wolves Hit Highway 11/17 for Roadie to Algoma & Laurentian

Basketball Teams Visit Algoma, Laurentian Only pure 'road trip' of the season presents unique challenge Movember 13, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont. The Thunderwolf basketball teams will board a coach Thursday afternoon and head east on Hwy 17 to Sault Sainte Marie for games against the Algoma Thunderbirds (Friday), and then onto Sudbury for match ups against the Laurentian Voyageurs (Saturday). Game times are 6pm (women) and 8pm (men) both evenings. Thunderwolf Men (1-3) The men's team is looking to improve on their record against an Algoma team (2-2) that they defeated 79-54 in the pre-season. That being said, the T-Birds are improving steadily, having tasted OUA victory against Waterloo and Brock already this season. They're led by Reynaldo Carnakie who averages 105. points and 5.8 rebounds per game. The Laurentian Voyageurs (4-0) have steadily improved under coach Shawn Swords, and are currently ranked #10 in the country. Junior guard Alex Ratte is among the scoring elite in the CIS with 21.8 points per game, along with Nelson Yengue with 18.0 ppg and 6.2 rebounds per contest. As a team the Voyageurs shoot 49.2% from the field, third best in the CIS. Coach Matt Erdman: "Algoma has been playing very well and are a much different team than what we saw in the pre-season. Laurentian has got off to a great start and are well deserved of their Top 10 ranking. We'll need 40 minutes of consistent game plan focus both nights in order to have a chance to win. Hopefully, we grew up a bit last weekend and learned some valuable lessons." Game Schedule Friday, Nov 15 @ Algoma Thunderbirds 6:00pm - Women 8:00pm - Men Game Coverage via Algoma Webcast (Stretch Internet) Saturday, Nov 16 @ Laurentian Voyageurs 6:00pm - Women 8:00pm - Men Game Coverage via Laurentian Webcast (Stretch Internet)

'Wolves Lose to Ottawa: Jones Wins At Halftime

Inline images 1 Media Release Lakehead University Athletics Department www.thunderwolves.ca T-Wolves Edged 80-75 by Gee-Gees Movember 9, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont. The men's hoops team were unable to squeeze out a win on Saturday night against the Ottawa Gee-Gees, dropping a close 80-75 decision. The 'Wolves got out to a great start and led 20-12 after the first quarter. Ottawa countered in the second, led by all-star Johnny Berhanemeskel, who scored a game-high 25 points. Ottawa led 34-31 at the break. The back-and forth pattern continued in the second half, as Lakehead out-scored Ottawa 27-17 in the 3rd quarter, only to have the Gee-Gees fire back with a 29-to-17 run in the final 10 minutes. The final minutes were marked by a few defensive breakdowns by Lakehead, giving up a couple key offensive rebounds to the Gee-Gees that allowed them to recover after trailing by as many as 11 points in the 4th quarter. Five Thunderwolves scored in double digits for Lakehead, led by Anthony McIntosh with 17 points, followed by Henry Tan with 15. Dwayne Harvey scored 13 points while Igor Lebov and Jamar Coke had 10 each. Following Berhanemeskel, Ottawa's Caleb Agada scored 19 points while Mehdi Tihani added 12. Coach Matt Erdman: "Tonight was much better and we showed we can compete with one of the best teams in the country. Credit to an experienced Ottawa team for executing in the 4th when it mattered. The game plan execution is improving but in order to beat teams in our league, you have to stick to it for 40 minutes." The men's team are on the road next weekend to play Algoma and Laurentian. __ Post Script The halftime show in the Thunderdome was accented by a surprise presentation, that being of an engagement ring. Following a dance routine by the Lakehead dance troupe, none other than Lakehead basketball great Joseph Jones popped out of a large gift wrapped box at center court. He smoothly walked across the floor and, on bended knee, presented an engagement ring to fellow Lakehead basketball legend, Lindsay Druery. She said yes!

'Wolves Face #3 Ottawa Tonight After Falling to #1 Carleton

Media Release Lakehead University Athletics Department www.thunderwolves.ca Ravens Too Much for T-Wolves National champs smother the Pack, 92-50 Movember 8, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont. The men's basketball team were defeated 92-50 by the Carleton Ravens on Friday evening. In the greatly anticipated re-match of last year's CIS gold medal game, the result was unfortunately more of the same for the Thunderwolves, who hung around for the first quarter but had no answer for the sharp shooting Ravens, who shot 61% from the field in the first half. Lakehead started off the game with some pep in their step and got some help from Alex Robichaud, who hit two three pointers in the first quarter, including a buzzer-beater to end the first frame. The Ravens' defensive clamps were applied to the Thunderwolves in the second quarter, as they were limited to 7 points in the frame while giving up 23 to the Ravens, who couldn't seem to miss, and committed a total of 5 turnovers on the game (compared to LU's 16). Top scorer for Lakehead was Henry Tan with 11 points and 4 rebounds. Anthony McIntosh added 10 points and 4 boards. For the Ravens, three players scored in double figures, led by Phil Scrubb with 15 points and Tyson Hinz with 13 points. Every player on the Ravens' roster scored at least 2 points. Coach Matt Erdman: "The score definitely didn't show it, but many of our guys battled all game tonight which is an improvement. When you play Carleton, you can't afford to make any mistakes and give them second chances; tonight we did both." The Thunderwolves resume play tomorrow evening against the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Webcast will be available via SSN Canada. Audio broadcast available via LU Radio.

'Wolves Host #1 Carleton and #3 Ottawa

Inline images 1 Media Release Lakehead University Athletics Department www.thunderwolves.ca T-Wolves Host Ravens and Gee-Gees in Home OpeningWeekend Movember 6, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont. The first basketball home games of the regular season happen this weekend, with the Carleton Ravens and Ottawa Gee-Gees squaring off against the Thunderwolves Friday and Saturday, respectively. Game times are 6pm (women) and 8pm (men) both evenings. Friday's game against the #1 ranked Ravens arrives with much anticipation following their match up in last year's CIS gold medal game. The 'Wolves did meet the Ravens in exhibition play in October, losing 79-60 in the Ravens' gym. Carleton has begun the season 2-0, and will be led by 5th year post Tyson Hinz, along with the dynamic Scrubb brothers, Phillip and Thomas. Needless to say, the Raven's lineup bears many weapons, and typically gives up very little on the defensive end. Not to be outdone, the Gee-Gees (2-0) are ranked #3 in the nation and will no doubt be looking for revenge following the T-Wolves' ouster of them in the CIS semi-finals last March. Sharp shooting Johnny Berhanemeskel is already shredding the opposition at a sizzling 27.5 points per game. Coach Matt Erdman: "It's great to be at home this weekend after three straight road weekends. Carleton and Ottawa are 1st and 3rd in the country, respectively, and a challenge our guys should be looking forward to. The preparation is the same as every week: follow the process, stick to the game plan and compete for 40 minutes." Game Schedule Friday, Nov 8 vs Carleton Ravens 6:00pm Women 8:00pm Men Saturday, Nov 9 vs Ottawa Gee-Gees 6:00pm Women 8:00pm Men Coverage (All games) Webcast via SSN Canada Radio broadcast via LU Radio

OUA Uncovered; Season Preview & Feature on Coach Morrison

'Wolves Beat Lions To Split Opening Road Weekend in OUA

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Men's Hoops Top Lions 79-73

Movember 2, 2013 — Toronto, Ont.

The men's basketball team came away with their first win of the regular season, 79-73 over the York Lions on Saturday evening.

The 'Wolves got out to a good start, leading 18-10 after the first quarter, and 32-21 at the half.

The Lions played in a 3-2 zone defense for the majority of the game, packing the paint as Lakehead struggled to strike from beyond the arc, finishing 3-of-14 on the game from long range.

The Lakehead offense relied primarily on dribble penetration and transition opportunities.

As the game wore on York did close the gap to 6 points in the 3rd quarter, and again in the 4th Q. The momentum swung in Lakehead's favour in the final 6 minutes of the game, following a double technical on York's bench, which resulted effectively in a 7-point possession for Lakehead. York did keep things interesting with some desperation three pointers that fell, but could not make up the difference, despite scoring 34 points in the 4th quarter.

Top scorer for Lakehead was Anthony McIntosh (Ottawa, ON) with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Dwayne Harvey (Hamilton, ON) scored 16 with 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Reserve guard Jamar Coke (Hamilton, ON) came off the bench to play a key role down the stretch, with 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Nathan Wainwright (Kapuskasing, ON) was a perfect 2-of-2 from three point land, and put it together with 4 free throws for a 10 point total.

Four Lions scored in double figures, led by Richard Iheadindu and Nathan Culbreath with 13 points each.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"I thought the boys came back tonight with a better focus to start the game. Sloppy play down the stretch led to York hanging around and that needs to get fixed up. Jamar, Nate and Alex [Robichaud] gave us solid minutes off the bench."

The men's first home games of the regular season happen next weekend against Carleton and Ottawa.

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Lakehead Drops Opener to Queen's

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

T-Wolves Lose 84-64 to Gaels in OUA Debut

Movember 1, 2013 — Kingston, Ont.

The men's basketball team lost their OUA regular season debut on Friday evening, 84-64 to the Queen's Gaels.

Boxscore

The 'Wolves scored the first basket of the game, but that would be the only lead they enjoyed all evening. They were in deep from early on, with a 10-point deficit after the first quarter (19-9), and trailed by 15 heading into the half, 42-27.

Things looked grim early in the 3rd quarter, as Queen's extended their lead to as many as 25 in front of their home town fans who enjoyed every minute of it.

The 'Wolves did go on a 14-2 run to close the gap to end the 3rd quarter, and would bring the game to within 9 points in the 4th, thanks to some full court pressure that had the Queen's offense temporarily stalled.

Before the 'Wolves got too close, they would be the cause of their own demise, turning the ball over in the open court and playing soft defense around their own basket.

Igor Lebov led the 'Wolves with 15 points and 7 rebounds, followed by Anthony McIntosh with 12 points, 5 rebounds and Dwayne Harvey had 10 points with 6 boards and 5 steals.

The Gaels had 4 players score in double digits, led by Roshane Roberts and Nikola Misljencevic with 16 points each.

It was certainly a puzzling statistic that Lakehead gave up a 20-point loss despite attempting 18 more shots (going 25-of-70, 3-of-20 from three) than their opponent (30-52).

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We didn't bring the energy and focus needed in an OUA conference game. There was a moment in the 3rd quarter where we played the way we're capable of. Turnovers throughout the entire game was again an issue and not continuing to go inside after our early success."

The men's team continues play tomorrow against York in Toronto at 8pm.

Webcast will be available via SSN Canada.

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203