THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – Lakehead Basketball’s OUA regular season will begin this weekend, as the women’s and men’s teams host the Queen’s Gaels (Friday) and the York Lions (Saturday).
Full weekend schedule:
Women (0-0, 6-3 preseason)
The women’s team has had a good preseason, 2 of their losses coming against Top 10 ranked teams (McGill and Regina), and the 3rd narrowly to OUA foe Ryerson.
Jylisa Williams will set the tone for the ‘Wolves, and has come close to triple-double stat lines in the majority of her preseason games, playing limited minutes no less.
Essa Jacobsen will be Lakehead’s presence in the paint, and will battle Queen’s forwards on the glass.
The Gaels (CIS ranked #8) are 4-1 in preseason play, their only loss coming against UBC. The York Lions, meanwhile are 1-4 in preseason play.
Coach Jon Kreiner shares, “Huge home opener against #8 Queens. Queens went to nationals last year and have a lot of experience. York has one of the top coaches in the CIS and have been holding teams to the 40’s and 50’s. Our next 3 weekends we play #8, #6 (twice on the road) and #1 in the country so it’s imperative we are prepared and ready to go.”
Men (0-0, 5-2 preseason)
The men’s team has enjoyed some success in the preseason, but as coach Furtado insists, “Now it’s time to play the games that matter.”
The last game Lakehead played in the Thunderdome ended in a loss to the Winnipeg Wesmen, however the ‘Wolves did roll off 3 consecutive wins in Alberta following that.
Lakehead will be led by veteran guard Dwayne Harvey, who has averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists through the preseason.
The Queen’s Gaels (3-1 preseason) have had the ‘Wolves number in recent years, enjoying a 20 point victory in 2013 and a 9 point win in 2012.
As for the York Lions (1-2 preseason), Lakehead eked out a 79-73 win in Toronto last season, and will hope to protect home court advantage.
Furtado mentions, “Our team is looking forward to starting the regular season at home and in front of our Thunderdome fans.”
Weekend Schedule
Friday, Nov 7 vs Queen’s Gaels
6:00pm – Women
8:00pm – Men
Saturday, Nov 8 vs York Lions
6:00pm – Women
8:00pm – Men
Webcast Coverage of these games will be available via OUA TV
Audio broadcast will be available via CILU Radio, 102.7FM, www.luradio.ca
