THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Lakehead Thunderwolves men’s hoops team were unable to squeeze out a win on Saturday night against the Ottawa Gee-Gees, dropping a close 80-75 decision.
The ‘Wolves got out to a great start and led 20-12 after the first quarter. Ottawa countered in the second, led by all-star Johnny Berhanemeskel, who scored a game-high 25 points.
Ottawa led 34-31 at the break.
The back-and forth pattern continued in the second half, as Lakehead out-scored Ottawa 27-17 in the 3rd quarter, only to have the Gee-Gees fire back with a 29-to-17 run in the final 10 minutes.
The final minutes were marked by a few defensive breakdowns by Lakehead, giving up a couple key offensive rebounds to the Gee-Gees that allowed them to recover after trailing by as many as 11 points in the 4th quarter.
Five Thunderwolves scored in double digits for Lakehead, led by Anthony McIntosh with 17 points, followed by Henry Tan with 15. Dwayne Harvey scored 13 points while Igor Lebov and Jamar Coke had 10 each.
Following Berhanemeskel, Ottawa’s Caleb Agada scored 19 points while Mehdi Tihani added 12.
Coach Matt Erdman said, “Tonight was much better and we showed we can compete with one of the best teams in the country. Credit to an experienced Ottawa team for executing in the 4th when it mattered. The game plan execution is improving but in order to beat teams in our league, you have to stick to it for 40 minutes.”
The men’s team are on the road next weekend to play Algoma and Laurentian.
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Game Post Script
The halftime show in the Thunderdome was accented by a surprise presentation, that being of an engagement ring. Following a dance routine by the Lakehead dance troupe, none other than Lakehead basketball great Joseph Jones popped out of a large gift wrapped box at center court. He smoothly walked across the floor and, on bended knee, presented an engagement ring to fellow Lakehead basketball legend, Lindsay Druery. She said yes!
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