THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Lakehead University men’s basketball team seemed nothing if not deflated in the final quarter of Friday night’s 76-73 loss to the visiting Brock Badgers.
After building a 41-31 lead late in the second quarter, the ‘Wolves saw it dwindle, as standout Badger rookie Johneil Simpson capped of a 13-7 run to end the quarter, hitting a three at the halftime buzzer and cutting the ‘Wolves lead to 48-44.
It was an omen of things to come, as Simpson went to work on the ‘Wolves in the second half, and finished with a game high 26 points (4-of-6 3pt) with 6 rebounds.
After the Badgers seized a 66-63 in the third quarter, the fourth was a grind, with neither team able to connect on many shots, while turnovers and offensive rebounds made it difficult for either team to get into an offensive flow.
After Brock took a 71-70 lead with 2 minutes to play, Lakehead would only connect on a free throw and bucket in the paint in the final moments, after missing several long range attempts.
Jamar Coke scored 12 points to lead Lakehead, and Alex Robichaud and Bacarius Dinkins scored 11 points apiece, Dinkins adding 8 rebounds.
Badger Zach Angelini was a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line and finished with 14 points.
Coach Manny Furtado said, “It’s hard to win games when you don’t have energy or emotion. Our guys didn’t come ready to play and the result, will always be the same if it continues. A loss.”
Furtado continued, “We turned the ball over way too much and took some horrible shots and Brock took advantage.”
