Dwayne Harvey & Henry Tan Honoured By OUA

Harvey, Tan Among OUA All-Stars

February 27th, 2014

Basketball - Men's

General News

Author: Hugh Mullally

The OUA announced this year's crop of OUA West men's basketball All-Stars today, with Lakehead's Dwayne Harvey (Hamilton, Ont.) named to the 2nd team, while Henry Tan (Vaughan, Ont.) was named to the rookie team. A full list of OUA West All-Stars follows below.

Harvey was one of 3 returning seniors this year, and managed to lead his team to a 9-13 record and the rights to host a 1st round playoff game. Dwayne scored 12.8 points per game, his season high being a 26 point effort against Laurentian in November. Harvey's strength was his consistent play on both offense and defense, as he rebounded well for a guard (4.8/game) and was in charge of distributing the ball, averaging 4.0 assists, 2nd best in the OUA West.

Coach Matt Erdman adds, "Dwayne did a great job transitioning into his new role as a captain. His leadership and confidence in that role grew throughout the year and was evident in his play. Dwayne's' offensive versatility and consistency showed as he filled every category of the stat sheet."

Henry Tan impressed many around the league, leading the 'Wolves in scoring at 12.9 pts/game. His season high was a 26 point effort against Western on January 17th. Tan hit 28 three-pointers in 21 regular season games, and was #10 in the OUA West in made free throws (56), shooting 73% from the line.

Of Tan coach Erdman mentions, "As a freshman, Henry had some very big games for us this year and continued to improve and adjust as the season went on. Expectations were high for Henry and I think he did an unbelievable job of handling himself as he proved he's not afraid to take and make big shots for this program. The coaching staff is looking forward to seeing Henry grow as a player."

Erdman adds, "Anytime you're recognized by the conference is a great accomplishment. Both Dwayne and Henry are very deserving of their awards."

2013-14 OUA WEST ALL-STARS

FIRST TEAM

Lien Phillip - Windsor
Taylor Black – McMaster
Max Allin - Laurier
Enrico Diloreto - Windsor
Joe Rocca – McMaster

SECOND TEAM

Greg Morrow - Western
Dani Elgadi - Brock
Josh Collins - Windsor
Dwayne Harvey - Lakehead
Zachary Angus - Guelph

ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

Dani Elgadi - Brock
Myles Charvis - Waterloo
Henry Tan - Lakehead
Jack Simmons - Laurier
Taylor Boers - Guelph

'Wolves Eliminated From OUA Play-offs After Close Loss

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

T-Wolves Falter, Mustangs Win 68-65

Season concludes for T-Wolves

February 19, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The men's basketball team failed to extend their season on Wednesday evening, losing their first round playoff game to Western, 68-65.

Boxscore

It was a great battle for fans to watch, as both teams gave it their all, Western leading 34-31 at the half. Lakehead was able to slow down Peter Scholtes, but failed to get much going on the interior themselves. Dwayne Harvey sat for 14 minutes of the first half with 2 fouls.

Jamar Coke carried the offensive load for the 'Wolves in the first half, scoring 9 points (2 three's and a three-point play), while Quinn Henderson hit 3 long-range bombs for 9 first half points as well.

Lakehead managed to break loose from the Mustangs' defense in the third quarter, putting up 24 points and leading 55-50 with 10 minutes to play.

The 'Wolves would seem to be closing the door on the visitors as the 4th quarter crept by. But Western hung around, and with the score 65-60, Lakehead would fail to capitalize on an open lay-up, and Western returned down the floor with a 3-point play to make it a 2-point game again with under 3 minutes to play. Lakehead wouldn't score again, and Western's Quinn Henderson gave his team a 1-point lead courtesy of a three-ball with under a minute to play.

Jamar Coke scored 15 points on the game, with 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocked shots. 5th year Justin Bell finishes his CIS career, and scored 6 points with 3 rebounds and an assist in his final game.

Greg Morrow was the scoring leader for the Mustangs, putting up 14 points with 3 steals.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"It's a tough pill to swallow having a lead and letting it slip away at the very end. Considering we shot 50% from the floor, it was the 20 turnovers that killed us. I'm proud of this group and feel bad it ended like this. We have built a great foundation moving forward and regardless of how it feels right now, these guys did a great job in a very tough situation this year."

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MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

T-Wolves Face Marauders, Mustangs Wednesday

Basketball teams seek to extend win streaks into the playoffs

February 17, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The OUA playoffs commence this Wednesday for Lakehead's basketball teams, with the men hosting the Western Mustangs in the Thunderdome at 7:00pm.

Men (9-13, 4th OUA West)

The men's team accomplished the improbable, getting some help from OUA opponents last week and winning their last 3 games to slip into 4th place in the OUA West, thus earning a home playoff game.

The Mustangs are coming off 4 straight losses (2 of them by 1 point), and will play their 4th game in 8 days against the ThunderwolvesWednesday night.

Lakehead lost 73-72 to the Mustangs back in January in their first match-up before dropping a lop-sided 73-47 decision to them the following night. The 'Wolves will hope to get help from the high intensity playoff environment in the Thunderdome, where the 'Wolves haven't lost a playoff game since 2001.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We finished the regular season on a positive note so hopefully that confidence carries over to Wednesday night. It's great everything aligned and we're able to play at home with a short turnaround. Western is a tough match-up for anyone because they have some extremely versatile players and our guys must understand playoffs are a whole new animal."

Game Schedule

Wed, Feb 19

Men vs. Western - 7:00pm - Webcast available via SSN Canada

WOLVES SWEEP GUELPH EARN 4th PLACE FINISH IN OUA WEST

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

'Wolves Finish Regular Season With 3rd Straight Win

Lakehead men secure home playoff game

February 15, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The men's basketball team pulled out a 70-56 win over the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday evening, launching them into 4th place in the OUA West and thus securing home court for the 1st round of the playoffs.

Boxscore    Video Highlights

Such a notion seemed inconceivable to many following a shaky month of January for the men's squad.

The first half of Saturday's matchup was slow to say the least, with Guelph clinging to a 24-21 lead at halftime.

Lakehead would finally get the lead out in the 3rd, scoring 24 points and finding different ways to score.

One Thunderwolf who did so in a big way was Alex Robichaud, who scored a career-high 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, much to the delight of the Thunderdome faithful.

Dwayne Harvey put together another complete game, scoring 15 points with 8 assists and 5 rebounds.

5th year senior forward Justin Bell (Mississauga, Ont.) was honored pre-game with a plaque as part of senior's night presentations.

For Guelph, Michel Clark scored 12 points with 5 rebounds.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"Our offense left us early but our defense was what kept us in the game. It took us some time to figure it out on offense but credit to our guys for making a conscious effort to execute."

Lakehead will next face the Western Mustangs on Wednesday evening at 7pm in the Thunderdome in the 1st round of the playoffs.

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MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

Lakehead Tops Guelph in OT

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Joey Nitro Steals the Show in OT

Nitychoruk's steal and finish with 10 seconds left gets OT victory

February 14, 2014— Thunder Bay, Ont.

The collective heartbeat of Thunderwolf Nation beat a little faster on Valentine's day, thanks to a 80-76 overtime thriller over the Guelph Gryphonson Friday evening. And perhaps, too, from the handy work of Joseph Nitychoruk, better known as Joey Nitro.

Boxscore

The beginning of the game kicked off with a thud for the home side, as the Gryphons led 18-11 after one quarter and 33-24 at the break.

As Lakehead slowly picked up their game, thanks in part to an effective zone defense, they were able to chip away at the lead, putting up 24 3rd quarter points to close the gap to 1, 49-48 after three quarters.

As the 4th quarter wore down both sides, neither team could establish any lead, exchanging baskets and body shots while doing their best to stay afloat.

Dwayne Harvey was on point down the stretch, coming up with big plays when the T-Wolves needed them. He would finish with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Rookie guard Henry Tan made a huge three-pointer to tie the game at 68 with under a minute left, and finished the game with 8 points and 3 assists.

As overtime took its toll, Alex Robichaud fouled out with under two minutes remaining, which brought Joey Nitro off the bench.

On the following possession the 6'7 forward finished with a post move inside, tying the game. His biggest play came in the final 24 seconds, matched up against veteran guard Zach Angus with the game tied at 76. After working the clock down under 15 seconds, Angus tried to initiate contact and draw a foul, only to have Nitychoruk back up, then force the ball out of Angus' hands, leading to an uncontested layup, and sealing the game.

Nitychoruk finished the game with 10 points, 3 blocks and 3 steals in 14 minutes of play. Fellow forward Igor Lebov earned a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Jamar Coke hit 2 three's for Lakehead and scored 12 points with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

Michel Clark shot an impressive 7-of-9 from the field (including 5 three's) to finish with 21 points to lead the Gryphons.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We started off slow and Guelph took full advantage of our complacency. Seeing the way we responded after a bunch of set backs is a step in the right direction. Our guys made some big plays on both ends down the stretch, some more obvious than others but credit to our guys for a character win."

_

The two teams will rematch tomorrow evening at 8:00pm.

Webcast available via SSN Canada

Audio broadcast available via LU Radio, 102.7 FM

Final OUA Weekend for 'Wolves

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Gryphons Visit to Complete Regular Season Hoops

February 12, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The Valentine's Day weekend heralds the end of the regular season in OUA basketball, as the women's and men's teams will play host to the Guelph Gryphons. 

Valentine or not, here's no love lost between the Gryphons and Thunderwolves, especially on the women's side, which saw the Gryphons edge out the 'Wolves the past two seasons for the final playoff spot in the OUA West. 

Game times are slated for Friday and Saturday night, women at 6pm, men at 8pm. Saturday night's game will feature presentations to 4th and 5th year seniors.

Women (10-10, 5th OUA West)

While the Lakehead women are guaranteed a playoff berth this year, they are taking nothing lightly this weekend against Guelph (7-13).

Coming off a signature victory over the Laurier Golden Hawks, Lakehead is proving themselves to be among the best defensive teams in the OUA. Their defense will look to disrupt Guelph forward Katherine MacTavish, who enters the weekend averaging 18.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.

Coach Jon Kreiner:

"We are fortunate that this weekend won't have bearing on making playoffs but there are still a few things to figure out and we need to be playing more consistent on back-to-back nights. Two wins this weekend will guarantee us 5th and will also give us the confidence to know we can play on any night. Guelph is a very good team. They can score in many ways and their strengths are getting to the free throw line and rebounding. We will need to execute a smart game plan defensively and continue to move the ball on offence.'

Kreiner continues, "Saturday's game will be the last regular season game for Ayse Kalkan, Kelsey Bardsley, Ashley Randall, Lindsay Inkila and Jessica de Haan. We hope to see our fans out to support them and our team as they prepare for the playoffs."

Men (7-13, 5th OUA West)

There is much to be determined in the OUA West playoff picture, with 3 games separating 3rd and 6th place. Lakehead can guarantee themselves the 5th seed with one win this weekend.

The Guelph men's team (6-14) hasn't beaten Lakehead in the Thunderdome since sweeping the 'Wolves in the 2008-09 season. With new rosters (and coaches) at the helm for this matchup, it promises to be a hard-fought battle to determine playoff seeding.

Zach Angus is the Gryphons' leading scorer with 12.8pts/game this season, but leads a team that spreads the scoring and playing time among the whole team, with no player playing more than 30 minutes/game. Such a challenge could prove to be a grinding 80 minute match up for Lakehead's 12 Thunderwolves.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"Guelph is always a tough match up for us. They are an extremely physical team with a number of guys that can hurt you off the bounce and from beyond 3. Hopefully this weekend is a way for our guys to build some confidence going into playoffs."

Players on the men's team being honored in Saturday's Senior Night presentations include Nathan Wainwright, Dwayne Harvey, Anthony McIntosh and Justin Bell.

_

Webcast Coverage will be available via SSN Canada

Audio broadcast will be available LU Radio, 102.7FM

Game Schedule vs Guelph

Fri, Feb 14

6:00pm (women)

8:00pm (men)

Sat, Feb 15

6:00pm (women)

8:00pm (men)

'Wolves Drop Tight ONe to Laurier. Game 2 Tonight

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

T-Wolves Trapped by Hawks, 93-88

February 7, 2014 — Waterloo, Ont.

The men's basketball team came up short on Friday evening, losing a 93-88 decision to the Laurier Golden Hawks.

Boxscore

The 'Wolves found themselves down 2 at halftime (42-40) against the home side, and came out of the locker room with some fire, rolling off 11 straight points to begin the second half.

The Golden Hawks, while not stingy defenders, can put up points in a hurry, and responded in kind with a run of their own to draw things even at 64 heading into the final quarter of play.

Lakehead was in the game until the final 4 minutes, when costly turnovers against Laurier's 1-2-2 half court press effectively sunk the S.S. Thunderwolf.

Some late game heroics by Lakehead would save some hope in the final 20 seconds, but veteran Laurier shooters would seal the game from the free throw line. By contrast Lakehead was it's own worst enemy at the charity stripe, hitting only 15 of 26 attempts. Laurier was 26-of-31.

Lakehead's top scorer was Henry Tan with 22 points (2-of-3 3pt), while Alex Robichaud hit 3 threes en route to 17 points. Reserve post Justin Bell had a season-high 13 points with 7 rebounds.

Max Allin scored a game-high 30 points with 7 rebounds for the Golden Hawks, while Will Coulthard scored 26.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We struggled all night to contain Max and Will and continued to turn the ball over at key moments in the 4th. We had chances but did not capitalize."

Lakehead will try and rebound tomorrow at 8:00pm against the Golden Hawks, who they are chasing in the OUA West standings.

Webcast coverage will be available via Hawks TV.

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

'Wolves Visit Hawks

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Lakehead Cagers Take on Golden Hawks 

February 5, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The women's and men's basketball teams head to Kitchener-Waterloo this weekend for double headers against the Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks.

Games times are Friday and Saturday at 6pm (women) and 8pm (men).

Women (9-9, 5th place OUA West)

With four games remaining in the regular season, the women's team looks to hold onto their 5th place seeding heading into the post-season.

They will have their hands full with a Laurier team (14-4)  that is currently ranked #9 in the country. The Golden Hawks have done so without a single go-to scorer, instead achieving success by committee, their highest scorer being Laura Doyle at 10.7 points per game, and four other players averaging 7 points per game.

Coach Jon Kreiner:

"We've always had a tight rivalry with Laurier but they swept us last year and Laurier is a top 10 team that is playing very well together. Laurier is a deep team with players that aren't afraid to shoot the ball, plus they rebound very well and are one if the toughest defensive teams in the country. We will need to be ready to play tough and smart for 80 minutes."

Men (6-12, 5th place OUA West)

The T-Wolves have the opportunity to jump up a spot in the standings this weekend against Wilfrid Laurier (8-10), a team known for their 'hurry-up' offense. The Golden Hawks take the most shots per game of any team in the country (76.8), which will place primacy for Lakehead on closing out shooters and rebounding the basketball.

Laurier's 5th year senior and perennial all-star Max Allin is currently scoring 19.1 points per game (with 8.1 rebounds), with junior guard Will Coulthard supporting him with 16.2 points per game. The due have combined for nearly 17 three-point attempts per game thus far.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"At this time of the year, each game gets bigger and bigger with play-off implications at hand. Our guys need to remain positive while making a conscious effort to adjust and improve from last weekend. Laurier is a dangerous team and one of the best scoring teams in the country."

Webcast available via Hawk TV

Game Schedule vs. Wilfrid Laurier

Fri, Feb 7

6:00pm Women

8:00pm Men

Sat, Feb 8

6:00pm Women

8:00pm Men

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203