REGINA, SK – The Lakehead University Men’s Basketball team got off to a fast start in Regina this weekend. Lakehead won 84-68 versus Regina in a turnover-filled affair on Friday evening. Regina finished with 27 TO’s, Lakehead with 21. Despite their misteps on offense, Lakehead was able to lock down the Cougars on the other end of the court enough to cruise to the win.
Lakehead got out to a good start in the first 20 minutes, out scoring the Cougars 46-27 with the help of big men Yoosrie Salhia (7 first half points) and Anthony McIntosh (8 points, 3-3FG, 2-2 FT at half in 4 minutes of play), who also threw down a two-handed jam in the second quarter that established the Thunderwolves’ presence in the paint. Salhia would finish with 12 points on 5 of 9 shooting and 7 rebounds, McIntosh with 10 points, 2 rebounds.
Regina managed to make a run in the third to cut it down to 50-40, but Lakehead weathered the storm and restored their 15-point cushion the rest of the way. The score sat at 62-45 after three frames.
Regina’s Paul Gareau had 17 points and 7 rebounds while fellow post Connors Burns notched a solid 12 point, 10 rebound double-double.
Venzal Russel led the Lakehead backcourt with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Greg Carter was top LU rebounder with 8, and went 4-5 from the field for 9 points.
Lakehead Coach Scott Morrison said, “We are always happy with a win regardless of how we get it, but we have to treat tonight’s game as a loss and wake up hungry and determined to play better tomorrow. Regina beat us in transition and on the glass and we have to dig in to try and slow them down tomorrow while limiting them to one shot.”
Lakehead will rematch with Regina tomorrow evening, beginning at 9 pm Eastern.
Live stats (no webcast, as of press time Friday) will be available at: www.canadawest.tv