THUNDER BAY-Sports – Lakehead Thunderwolves Coach Scott Morrison states, “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,”
Lakehead Thunderwolves weekend preview
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.
Nothing short of a nail biter
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.
Game time is 7 pm – Saturday, Feb 23.
