ST PAUL, MN – Sports – (With files from Scott Morrison) In a dramatic shootout, the LU men’s basketball team elevated 98-95 over the Hamline U Pipers on Saturday evening. In a game uncharacteristic of recent Lakehead wins, the ‘Wolves managed to pull out a win over a tough Hamline University team.
Joe Jones led Lakehead with 23 points on 7-11 shooting, adding 7 rebounds in what the Lakehead coaching staff felt was possibly his best game in the CIS. Venzal Russell had a slow start but rallied to score 22 with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Greg Carter also had one of his finest games of the young season with 14 points on 5-7 shooting with 4 assists and 3 steals. Nathan Wainwright was the other Wolf in double figures hitting on 3-6 for 10 points.
Hamline proved to be very effective with their dribble penetration led by senior Mike Campbell who poured in 30 without taking a 3pt shot.
The game was decided late as the ‘Wolves hit clutch FTs and came up with a couple of big stops in the last minute to seal the victory and complete their pre-season schedule with a perfect 8-0 record.
Coach Scott Morrison on Tonight’s Win stated, “”While it was not our best performance on the defensive end, I was proud of how our players dealt with some adversity including some tough calls, foul trouble and playing short-handed because of injuries. We got down 12-0 to start the game but stayed focused and showed some of the intangible qualities necessary to be successful in the OUA. We met our goals for the pre-season but now must turn our attention to Queen’s – the first of many tough games and challenging opponents we will see over the next four weeks.”
Lakehead led 44-41 at the half.
The men begin their regular season schedule next weekend in Kingston versus Queens and RMC.
Their pre-season record finishes at 8-0.