THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men’s basketball team were dealt their first loss of the pre-season, 76-73 by the Winnipeg Wesmen on Friday evening.
After making a surprising late-game comeback in Thursday’s game, the ‘Wolves were unable to complete Friday night’s comeback, despite some impressive shooting from fourth year Henry Tan. The Vaughn, Ontario native went 9-for-19 from the field for 25 points with 6 rebounds.
Tan’s performance was overshadowed by that of Wesmen Jelane Pryce, whose smooth inside touch blended with sharp outside shooting to the tune of 29 points.
Mor Menashe had another efficient game, going 8-for-11 with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
As the game came down to the final minutes, Lakehead was unable to capitalize on a few opportunities, and in their final play did not create a clean look for Taner Parrington, whose three-pointer was partially blocked.
Coach Manny Furtado summed up the weekend, saying ” I’m really happy with our effort this weekend. We didn’t back down or quit when we got down in either game. Tonight we dug ourselves a hole with so many turnovers in the game and couldn’t keep the lead when it mattered most.”
Lakehead will play again at home next weekend against the Algoma Thunderbirds, Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 3pm.
Homecoming 2015 – Remembering our Champions
At halftime of the game, the 1969-70 men’s basketball team were honoured in a ceremony to pay tribute to their incredible season, in which they posted a 22-2 record. They played in the NAIA, against formidable American opponents, but did beat every Canadian team they played that year handily, some of which were top ranked in Canada. Unable to compete for a Canadian championship that year due to their lacking in CIAU membership, it has been been contested that they would have been a shoo-in as CIAU Champions.
- Men’s Basketball, 1969-70 (L-R: J. Hemmings, G. Birger, R. Jackson, L. Vaughn, J. Parks, R. Savioli, B. Nieminen, R. Earle, K. Traynor.)
Their season ended one win short of making the NAIA national championship tournament.
The team’s members present at the game included: Richard Earle; Brian Nieminen; Renato Savioli; Ken Traynor; Joe Parks; Louis Vaughn; Robert Jackson; Jerry Hemmings; and Coach, George Birger.
Other members of the team include: Charles Talloch, Shelton Bellamy, Brian Smith, Dale Olsen, and our departed friend, Wayne Chuchmuch.
