THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – Lakehead University Thunderwolves Basketball are on the road this weekend, traveling to Guelph to play their final games of the regular season.
Women (13-4, 1st Central)
Last year the women won both their games against the Gryphons, 87-74 and 87-78 in the Thunderdome. Guelph star Katherine MacTavish leads the league in rebounding with nearly 11 per game, on top of averaging 16 points. As a team the Gryphons are the #1 rebounders in the OUA, which makes shot selection and hustle on the glass a point of emphasis for Lakehead.
Most league prognosticators suggest that Lakehead will secure themselves an OUA Top 4 seed with 1 win this weekend.
Coach Jon Kreiner comments, “This weekend’s games are very important to us as we look to get ourselves ready for playoffs. The OUA Central is a very tough division and any team can beat anyone within the division. Guelph has one of the top players in the conference in Katherine MacTavish and rookie Bridget Atkinson is a very good point guard who we must contain. Guelph is also a very good rebounding team so we must be prepared to battle on the glass every possession.”
Men (10-7, 2nd Central)
The men’s team continues to jockey for position in the hotly contested ‘middle of the pack’ in the OUA. Currently ranked #6, they stand a good chance of maintaining their standing with 1 win this weekend. A sweep would guarantee the #6 spot heading into playoffs.
The Gryphons are #1 in free throw efficiency in the OUA, making 78% of their average 20 throws per game. Daniel Dooley and Trevor Thompson lead Guelph with 13 and 12 points per game, respectively.
Last season the ‘Wolves won both over Guelph, 80-76 (in OT), and 70-56 the following night.
Coach Manny Furtado said, “These are two very important games for us this weekend in Guelph. We’re facing a tough, physical team. We need to compete every possession on both ends of the floor to give ourselves a chance.”
Webcast coverage will be available via OUA TV.
Weekend schedule @ Guelph:
Fri, Feb 20
6:00 – women
8:00 – men
Sat, Feb 21
6:00 – women
8:00 – men
