THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Lakehead men’s and women’s basketball teams are finally getting back on the court this Thursday and Friday in their first non-conference games of the year against the Winnipeg Wesmen at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse. To add to the excitement, the games are being held during Homecoming weekend where returning alumni and friends are welcomed back to campus to enjoy a magnitude of events.
Both the men’s and women’s team are excited to showcase their 2017/18 recruiting class along with the returning Thunderwolves who are ready to make their mark on the OUA this season.
Women’s Basketball
“It’s game time! With our Homecoming 2017 just days away this will be a short week of practice in preparation of the up-tempo University of Winnipeg. Winnipeg was a top 10 team all of last season finishing 18-2, averaging 74PPG and only giving up 60.”- Coach Jon Kreiner
Winnipeg will be lead by 2017 U SPORTS All-Canadian, Antoinette Miller, who averaged close to 19 points per game and 8 rebounds per game, shooting over 50% from the field. She was also the U SPORTS defensive player of the year.
“Winnipeg will have quick, skilled players who like to play uptempo basketball. I am looking forward to this match-up as it should give us our measuring stick as to where we are at this point in the season. Our two games vs Winnipeg, and our Homecoming Induction Ceremony, where former Lakehead University WBB Star Muriel Mortson will be inducted, will make for a busy but exciting weekend for our program,” says Coach Jon Kreiner.
Men’s Basketball
Coach Manny Furtado:“Homecoming weekend is always a special event. This one is even more special with a basketball player, John Laplante, being inducted into the Wall of Fame. Our guys will have the opportunity to understand the history taking place and appreciate the players and teams that have come before us. This weekend will give us a chance to look at some of the new recruits we brought in and try some new line-ups together. We’re at that point where we need to play some games instead of playing against ourselves every practice”
The men’s team lost two close games to the Wesmen during this time last year, and this will be a great chance to have a strong start and to gain momentum for both Thunderwolves teams.
Other events that will be taking place are the Wall of Fame induction symposium that will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, followed by the ceremony at 11:30am, where Lakehead will honour 2 Builders, 2 male and female athletes and 1 team.
Week game schedule
Thursday
WBB vs Winnipeg @ 6pm
MBB vs Winnipeg @ 8pm
Friday
WBB vs Winnipeg @ 6pm
MBB vs Winnipeg @ 8pm
Webcast of Basketball games will be available via OUA.TV
