OTTAWA – LU Sports – The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men’s basketball team came away with their first win of the regular season, 79-73 over the York Lions on Saturday evening.
The ‘Wolves got out to a good start, leading 18-10 after the first quarter, and 32-21 at the half.
The Lions played in a 3-2 zone defense for the majority of the game, packing the paint as Lakehead struggled to strike from beyond the arc, finishing 3-of-14 on the game from long range.
The Lakehead offense relied primarily on dribble penetration and transition opportunities.
As the game wore on York did close the gap to 6 points in the 3rd quarter, and again in the 4th Q. The momentum swung in Lakehead’s favour in the final 6 minutes of the game, following a double technical on York’s bench, which resulted effectively in a 7-point possession for Lakehead. York did keep things interesting with some desperation three pointers that fell, but could not make up the difference, despite scoring 34 points in the 4th quarter.
Top scorer for Lakehead was Anthony McIntosh (Ottawa, ON) with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Dwayne Harvey (Hamilton, ON) scored 16 with 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Reserve guard Jamar Coke (Hamilton, ON) came off the bench to play a key role down the stretch, with 9 points and 7 rebounds.
Nathan Wainwright (Kapuskasing, ON) was a perfect 2-of-2 from three point land, and put it together with 4 free throws for a 10 point total.
Four Lions scored in double figures, led by Richard Iheadindu and Nathan Culbreath with 13 points each.
Coach Matt Erdman said, “I thought the boys came back tonight with a better focus to start the game. Sloppy play down the stretch led to York hanging around and that needs to get fixed up. Jamar, Nate and Alex [Robichaud] gave us solid minutes off the bench.”
The men’s first home games of the regular season happen next weekend against Carleton and Ottawa.
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