VICTORIA, BC – Sports – The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men’s basketball team came away from the U Victoria Vikes’ McKinnon Gym with a 80-71 victory on Wednesday evening.
Once again it was Lakehead’s touch from the perimeter that provided the punch to get them a W, hitting on 13 of 25 long range attempts. Credit 5 of those to veteran forward Ryan Thomson, who finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Joe Hart also had 3 triples and finished with 15 points on 6-7 shooting and 5 rebounds. Add in Greg Carter, Ben Johnson and Matt Schmidt who all scored in double digits (10, 12 and 12), along with Carter’s 6 assists and the T-Wolves were able to hold off the Vikes.
The Vikes were led by Michael Acheampong with 18 points and 4 assists with 5 turnovers. Terrell Evans was next with 17 points and 7 rebounds. 6’10 center Chris McLaughlin was held to 9 points and 7 rebounds with 3 turnovers to a hounding Lakehead defense.
After ten minutes, the score was 22-14 Lakehead. After a push by the Vikes in the 2nd Q, Thomson tied the game at 34 with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer before halftime. He also gave the T-Wolves a 10-point lead (twice) late in the 4th with deep three’s that would separate the ‘Wolves for good.
Lakehead coach Scott Morrison:
“It was a great team win tonight with everyone contributing plus all five starters scoring in double figures. We had better intensity to start the game and it helped us get off to a better start than we have been getting. Victoria has some tough match-ups and exploited us on our rotations tonight as well as on the glass. We are seeing that our defensive rotations and defensive rebounding must improve in order for us to win games when our outside shooting is not as strong. We have three games left to focus on improving in those areas prior to conference play.
The men head to the Fraser Valley next to face U of Northern BC and UFV, Thursday and Friday evening. Both games are slated for 9 pm EDT.
