LU Opens OUA Final Four Vs #1 Carleton

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February 28, 2013

Thunderwolves Take on Ravens in Game 1 of Wilson Cup Final Four

THUNDER BAY, ON -

Upon qualifying for the Wilson Cup Final Four, the men's basketball team have come up against the titan of CIS Men's Basketball, the Carleton Ravens. The two teams will do battle on Friday evening at 6pm ET, with live coverage provided by The Score Television Network. 

The Wilson Cup Final Four is being hosted by Ryerson University in the beautiful Mattamy Athletic Centre in downtown Toronto. Along with the Ravens and Thunderwolves, the Ottawa Gee-Gees and Windsor Lancers are also in the mix, with the top 3 finishers being awarded a berth at the CIS Final 8 next weekend in Ottawa.

Although a daunting task has been presented to the Thunderwolves, this group has proven its resiliency in the past, and are unwavering in their efforts to contend for another Wilson Cup, having captured their first one 2 years ago, with many of the same personnel still in uniform who raised Wilson after beating Carleton in 2011.

One of those is Yoosrie Salhia, who was announced as an OUA West 1st Team All-Star earlier today, along with defensive specialist Greg Carter (Ottawa, ON), who would like nothing more than to send a message to the Ravens on Friday. Another from the championship team is Ryan Thomson, who also made the OUA West 1st All-Star Team, but whose status heading into the weekend is shaky at best following an injury last weekend versus McMaster.

With Thomson on the mend, it will be up to the Thunderwolves' supporting cast to make it happen this weekend, which is an act they are not unfamiliar with. Matthew Schmidt (Thunder Bay, ON) has proven on multiple occasions he is capable of providing not only outside scoring, but also an active body in the lane and on the glass. Traditional 6th man Joseph Jones (Washington, DC) is also ready to step up and make plays, and reserve forward Brendan King (Petawawa, ON) (who recently got off the injured list) has the body and will to be an effective rebounder when called upon.

Guard Ben Johnson (Pictou, NS) and Dwayne Harvey (Hamilton, ON) have also picked up their games in the past month after having consistency issues earlier in the season, and OUA All-Rookie Joe Hart (Southend, UK) is another outside weapon to fill the void left by Thomson.

The Ravens, meanwhile, have no shortage of individual talent (Brothers Phillip and Thomas Scrubb, Tyson Hinz, and Clinton Springer-Williams to name a few) but what makes them so tough is their ability to move, score and defend as a single unit. If Lakehead can create some disruption in their seemingly 'un-fazable' system of execution, there is a chance for contention.

As coach Scott Morrison explains, slowing down the Ravens' transition game and controlling the boards is only the beginning:

"We are expecting an excellent showcase of basketball for the OUA this weekend as four of Canada's top teams will be in attendance, including the top team, Carleton. To compete with Carleton the first step is to slow them down in transition and match their effort on the glass. No small tasks in themselves but at least a sensible area for us to begin. After those two steps, there are about 15 more steps - which is what makes them so tough.  That being said we are going to give 100% effort, one possession at a time, and try to make them earn their looks at the hoop. If we can catch a few breaks we have a chance to be in the game during crunch time."

Live coverage of the games will be provided by The Score Television Network

Follow courtside tweets @LakeheadSID

Schedule of Events:

March 1 

Carleton Ravens vs. Lakehead Thunderwolves 6:00 PM  (Live)

Windsor Lancers vs. Ottawa Gee-Gees 8:00 PM (Aired at 10pm on tape delay)

March 2

Bronze Medal game 16:00 PM  (live)

Gold Medal game 18:00 PM  (live)

Some Final Four Early Week Media Links

Hoping for Deja Vu (TbNewswatch Preview)

Looking Out for #1 (Chronicle Journal Preview)

Thomson Out for Final Four (TbNewswatch)

'Wolves Prepare for Familiar Foe (Chronicle Journal)

J.J. Jones - Local Good Samaritan (The Argus)

Final Four Bound (Tbnewswatch)

'Wolves Advance With Victory over McMaster (Chronicle Journal)

'Wolves Win - Head to 3rd Consecutive OUA FInal Four

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February 23, 2013

Lakehead Lives Once More, Headed to Wilson Cup Final Four

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The men's basketball team overcame an atrocious start to the game to recover against a very hard nosed and talented McMaster team, winning 81-76 on Saturday night in front of a capacity Thunderdome crowd.

McMaster opened up the game on an 11-2 run, before coach Scott Morrison brought in some bench players to switch things up. The move worked out well, with Nathan Wainwright coming off the bench to hit a big three-pointer, and reserve forward Joseph Nitychoruk putting in 6 first half points. The bench stemmed the tide in the first quarter, getting the McMaster lead down to 19-16 after 10 minutes. McMaster came right back in the second Q, out-scoring the T-Wolves 20-11 in the quarter to lead 39-27 at halftime. Marauder big man Taylor Black had a fantastic first half, going 6-8 from the field and 5-5 on the charity stripe for 19 points. He would finish with a game-high 29 points and 7 rebounds (10-16 FG, 4-5 3FG, 5-5 FT). Black was also the reason McMaster stayed as close as they did down the stretch, playing a beautiful two-man game with his point guard Aaron Redpath a-la pick-and-roll.

With their fate hanging in the balance, the Thunderwolves came out of the gate in the second half with a purpose in mind. Dwayne Harvey (Hamilton, ON) and Greg Carter (Ottawa, ON) turned up the D and Lakehead rolled off 6 unanswered points to begin the second half. Harvey's production came mostly off penetration to the basket, while Carter was up to his usual tricks, pressuring the opposing point guard, and creating turnovers for uncontested layups. Carter came close to a triple double with 12 points, 9 steals and 9 assists to lead the T-Wolves.

Lakehead did its damage in the 3rd quarter, out-scoring McMaster 22-10, as the Marauders' offense struggled to recoup its previous swagger. Lakehead took its first lead of the game with the score 43-42. The fourth quarter was a shoot-out, with Lakehead putting up 32 points to McMaster's 27. Lakehead got key three-pointers from Ben Johnson (Pictou, NS), Dwayne Harvey  and Ryan Thomson down the stretch to keep the Marauders at bay. Johnson finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds while Harvey led the 'Wolves with 17 points, 5 assists and 3 boards on 7-of-9 shooting. Thomson finished with 8 points and 5 assists. Joseph Jones brought the energy as usual, scoring 9 in 15 minutes of play. Lakehead shot 6-of-9 from behind the arc in the second half, after going 3-of10 in the first.

Rounding out the scoring for the Marauders was Aaron Redpath with 16 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds while Nathan Pelech had 10 points of his own. Joe Rocca went 3-of-11 from the field for 9 points.

Both teams shot an identical 29-of-65 from the field (44.6%), with Lakehead holding a slight edge on the glass (29-26).

Coach Scott Morrison:

"Over the years, this group of players has made a name for themselves with gritty comebacks just like the one we saw tonight.  I have to give credit to our assistant coaches who came up with some excellent half-time adjustments in addition to our entire team  - each man gave his all this week. McMaster played well without one of their top players [Adam Presutti] and guys like Taylor Black and Nathan Pelech really stepped up their game with excellent performances."

Morrison concludes, "It was a classic, patented win for this group of seniors to finish their home careers. Thank you to the enormous crowd we had tonight...  They were lined up out the doors an hour before the game and lined up in the parking lot an hour afterwards, it is an honor to play and coach for this school and we will do everything we can to make our supporters just as proud next week."

With the win the Lakehead men advance to the Wilson Cup Final Four, hosted by Ryerson University at the newly renovated Mattamy Athletic Centre (former Maple Leaf Gardens), next weekend on Friday and Saturday.

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

'Wolves Host McMaster in OUA Quarter-Final Action

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February 21, 2013

McMaster Enters Thunderdome in Playoff Bout vs. Thunderwolves

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The men's basketball team (14-7) will face the McMaster Marauders (14-8) on Saturday evening (7pm) in the Thunderdome. The Marauders made it through round 1 of the playoffs with a win over Waterloo Wednesday night, while the Thunderwolves enjoyed a first round bye. The winner will advance to the OUA Final Four next weekend in Toronto.

Saturday's contest marks the third time these teams have played each other in just 8 days, with Lakehead splitting last weekend in Hamilton against the Marauders (W 78-75, L 92-82).

This Saturday, Lakehead defenders must be prepared to shut down Marauder shooters, particularly leading scorer Joe Rocca, who in Wednesday's playoff game against Waterloo was 6-of-11 from downtown and scored a total 27 points. Rocca totaled 20 points over both games played against Lakehead last weekend in Hamilton.

Other McMaster weapons include guards Adam Presutti and Aaron Redpath, along with big men Nathan Pelech and Taylor Black.

For the Thunderwolves, Yoosrie Salhia goes to back work in the paint, after sitting out the second game against McMaster for some extra rest. Joseph Jones will also return to the lineup after missing last weekend's games due to personal reasons.

For Salhia, Jones, and 4 other graduating seniors (Greg Carter, Ben Johnson, Matthew Schmidt and Brendan King) - Saturday's game will be their last in the Thunderdome, as this group tries to extend their season to reach the OUA Final Four, and if successful there, to a 4th consecutive CIS Final 8 tournament.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"After splitting two close games last weekend in Hamilton, we expect nothing short of a nail biter this weekend. We are working hard to improve on some areas of weakness [from] last weekend and attempting to balance a competitive week with some extra rest. McMaster is a well balanced team with a number of guys who can light it up on any given night, our emphasis will be on forcing them to take tough shots each time down the court."

Game time is 7 pm - Saturday, Feb 23.

Webcast will be available via SSN Canada

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

LU Finishes OUA Season in 2nd - Host Winner of Mac-Waterloo Feb 23rd

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February 16, 2013

Nitychoruk Puts Up Career High, T-Wolves Lose 92-82

THUNDER BAY, ON -

In a game that was inconsequential to playoff seedings, the men's basketball team dropped a 92-82 decision to the McMaster Marauders.

As the game began it was clear that it would be a battle of the benches, with Lakehead coach Scott Morrison deciding to rest 5th year senior Yoosrie Salhia, who sat in street clothes on the bench.

Be that as it may, both teams fought hard down the stretch for the win. Lakehead trailed by 10, 28-18 after the first quarter in which McMaster graduating senior Nathan Pelech scored 8 of his 10 total points. McMaster brought a 45-38 lead into the locker room at the break.

Things would remain fairly even from there on out, with both teams trading baskets in the fourth quarter and McMaster holding on for the victory on their 'Seniors Night'.

Joey Nitychoruk was the leading scorer for Lakehead, putting up a career-high 18 points with 4 rebounds and 3 steals in 21 minutes of play. Four other T-Wolves reached double digits, with Joe Hart and Greg Carter putting up 11 each, and Matthew Schmidt and Ryan Thomson scoring 10 points each. Carter finished with a game-high 5 assists.

McMaster was led by Aaron Redpath with 20 points (9-10 FT), and Adam Presutti scored 15.

Lakehead shot 6-26 (23%) from three, compared to McMaster's 6-19 (32%). Strangely enough, Lakehead took the loss despite shooting 29-41 (71%) from within the arc. The real difference maker was the disparity in free throws, with Lakehead attempting 15 (hitting only 6) to McMaster's 34 (hitting 28).

Coach Scott Morrison:

"It was great to get our bench guys some extended minutes and experience tonight as the game did not affect final standings. I thought we lost the game with our poor start in the first quarter and it's tough to beat a team when they shoot 20 more free throws over 40 minutes. Both teams played hard tonight and now are prepared for the post season."

The men will now advance to the 2nd playoff round thanks to a first round bye. If McMaster (#3) defeats Waterloo (#6) in the first round (Wednesday, Feb 20), they will play Lakehead for the third time in a week, this time in the Thunderdome on Saturday Feb 20.

Box Score

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Big Win Clinches #2 Seed For 'Wolves

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February 15, 2013

Thunderwolves Clinch #2 Seed with 78-75 Win

HAMILTON, ON -

The men's basketball team managed a 78-75 comeback win over the McMaster Marauders on Friday evening.

Lakehead made their push in the final quarter after trailing 45-41 at halftime, and 60-54 heading into the final quarter. A 24-15 effort in the final quarter would seal the deal, with Lakehead tying the game at 69 on a Ben Johnson 3-pointer with under 4 minutes to play. Following that both teams would exchange singular made free throws, tied 70-70 with under 2 minutes to play.

On the subsequent play Ryan Thomson missed a three pointer, and with the rebound heading out of bounds Greg Carter would dive past a Marauder and play the ball of him and out of bounds, giving Lakehead possession and a fresh shot clock. Carter would score 'and-1' on the subsequent play, but miss the free throw. After Lakehead took a 2-point lead, Adam Presutti would hit a straight-away bank three pointer to give the home side a 1-point lead with 15 seconds remaining.

Ryan Thomson's number was called on the following play, and he scored 2 of his game-high 22 points on a post up feed from Yoosrie Salhia for a 1-point Lakehead advantage. Following a McMaster time out and a failed play to throw a lob to Rohan Boney, McMaster fouled and Ben Johnson who hit 2 free throws for a 3-point lead, which held true following a last-ditch McMaster effort that missed.

Ben Johnson finished with 19 points (5-9 threes) with 5 rebounds, followed by Dwayne Harvey with 18 points, 4 steals and 4 rebounds, which included a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the first half. Yoosrie Salhia struggled with foul trouble for most of the game, finishing with a season-low 5 point, 5 rebound night with 3 assists in 24 minutes of play. Greg Carter was a defensive force with 6 steals to go with 6 assists and 6 points.

For McMaster, Nathan McCarthy had a team-high 21 points with a game-high 9 rebounds (8 offensive). Joe Rocca had 11, Adam Presutti and Aaron Redpath scored 10 apiece. 

McMaster held a 38-30 advantage on the glass. Lakehaed's biggest advantage was in 3-point shooting, hitting 11-of-24 (46%) to McMaster's 6-21 (29%).

Coach Scott Morrison:

"It was an old fashioned gut-check kind of win tonight. Mac beat us in the first half with excellent ball movement and rebounding. I was proud of our toughness in the second half and also our execution down the stretch. It was a big win for our team that we can enjoy tonight before getting back to business."

__

The two teams will rematch tomorrow evening at 8pm in the final game of the regular season, which has no bearing on final standings for either team.

With the win, Lakehead clinches the #2 seed in the OUA-West, and thus a first-round bye in the playoffs. Their next (and final) home game will be on Saturday, February 23 in Round 2 of the playoffs against an opponent to be determined from Round 1 (Wed, Feb 20).

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Lakehead Finishes Regular Season in Hamilton

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February 14, 2013

T-Wolves Visit Marauders for Regular Season Finales

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The basketball teams will finish their regular seasons in Hamilton this weekend against the McMaster Marauders. Both the men and women's teams have a lot riding on the outcome of the games, with the Women trying to lock up a playoff spot, and the Men intent on securing an OUA-West #2 seed, and thus a first round bye in the playoffs.

Women (7-12, OUA-W #6)

With 2 games remaining, the women need to win 1 to secure the 6th and final playoff spot, as they are 1 game ahead of Guelph, who holds the tie breaker over Lakehead. The T-Wolves will have their work cut out for them against a McMaster team (10-9) that won both games last season (73-44 and 74-57) in the Thunderdome.

The Marauders are led this year by Hailey Milligan (15.4 PPG, 11.3 RPG) and Danielle Boiago (14.5 PPG), and as a team shoot the most free throws per game (22.3) in the CIS, although connecting on only 68% of them.

Men (13-6, OUA-W #2, CIS #8)

In the wake of being denied the top seed by Windsor last week, the T-Wolves must keep the pedal to the floor to stay ahead of McMaster (12-7), who trails them by 1 game in the standings. Bearing that in mind, Lakehead need only win 1 game this weekend to secure the #2 seed.

McMaster has won 5 games straight, each by 19+ points, dating back to a 80-73 loss in Windsor on Jan 23. Their top scorers are Joe Rocca (15.2 PPG) and Taylor Black (15.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG), and McMaster shoots among the best in the country from the field (45.1% FG, 36.1% 3FG). 

Coach Scott Morrison:

"Everyone knows these are big games this weekend in Hamilton, and for that reason there should be no doubt about the focus of each team heading into Friday night.  We are looking to continue our season-long goal of improving each weekend in hopes of saving our best ball for this time of year.  McMaster plays an excellent team game and is one of the top rebounding teams in the country. I think both teams match-up well and we should expect to see two excellent ball games."


Webcast Coverage Available via Marauders TV

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