THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Lakehead men’s basketball team lost a drag-out game that needed 55 minutes of play to decide on Saturday night, dropping a triple-overtime match to the York Lions 112-104.
“It was a marathon of a game for us today,” Thunderwolves head coach Ryan Thomson said. “Our guys battled like crazy, and I was proud of the way our young guys played under control.”
The Thunderwolves had some early success, winning the first two quarters and taking a 36-30 lead into the half. The Lions, however, roared back and outscored Lakehead by 10 in the third frame to go up 56-52. The Thunderwolves came back to force an extra period, and two more followed in a match that saw an animated home crowd on their feet for the majority of the additional time.
First-year guard Alston Harris led Lakehead with 25 points on a number of crucial buckets, including 9 in the 4th quarter and another 6 in the first overtime. He also contributed 4 assists, 3 steals, and 5 rebounds. Davarius Wright added a double-double, with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
“Alston was fantastic,” Thomson said. “Burke, as usual, was a great leader.”
Guard Nick Burke paced the Thunderwolves in 46 minutes of play and kept Lakehead composed during the frantic extra frames. He finished with 14 points and 4 assists.
York’s offence came by committee, with six players scoring in double digits. Gianmarco Luciani led all scorers with 26 points. The Lions frequently isolated Lakehead guard Jared Kreiner as a defender in the final frames, with varying success.
“Jared battled defensively,” Thomson said, “there wasn’t much else we could ask for.”
The close loss brings Lakehead to 2-6, while York improves to 3-5.
“It’s disappointing to lose, “Thomson said, “but we should be more cohesive and be able to rally from it.”
The Thunderwolves next see action against Ryerson and the University of Toronto, when the host them next weekend at the Thunderdome.
Basketball games are available via webcast courtesy of OUA.TV
