THUNDER BAY = The first basketball home games of the regular season happen this weekend, with the Carleton Ravens and Ottawa Gee-Gees squaring off against the Thunderwolves Friday and Saturday, respectively. Coach Matt Erdman says, “It’s great to be at home this weekend after three straight road weekends. Carleton and Ottawa are 1st and 3rd in the country, respectively, and a challenge our guys should be looking forward to. The preparation is the same as every week: follow the process, stick to the game plan and compete for 40 minutes.”

Game times are 6pm (women) and 8pm (men) both evenings.

The Ravens (1-1) are coming off a huge weekend victory over the national champion Windsor Lancers, despite losing the following evening to to the Western Mustangs by 20 points. Ravens’ forward Lindsay Shotbolt is averaging a double-double thus far with 13 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

The Gee-Gees (1-1, CIS ranked #10) are led by Angela Tilk, who is putting up 13 points and 11 rebounds per game thus far in the regular season. Ottawa finished in 6th place at the CIS championships last year.

Coach Jon Kreiner comments, “The home opener at the Thunderdome is always a special occasion. The Thunderdome is a ‘sixth man’ with its energy and spirit and overall it is a great experience for student-athletes from both teams. This will be a very challenging weekend. Carleton just knocked off the reigning national champs and #1 ranked Windsor and Ottawa is currently ranked #10 in the CIS. We need to build on our team play and composure through tough moments. Rebounding, containing and playing with high energy will be our keys to success.”

Friday’s game against the #1 ranked Ravens arrives with much anticipation following their match up in last year’s CIS gold medal game. The ‘Wolves did meet the Ravens in exhibition play in October, losing 79-60 in the Ravens’ gym. Carleton has begun the season 2-0, and will be led by 5th year post Tyson Hinz, along with the dynamic Scrubb brothers, Phillip and Thomas. Needless to say, the Raven’s lineup bears many weapons, and typically gives up very little on the defensive end.

Not to be outdone, the Gee-Gees (2-0) are ranked #3 in the nation and will no doubt be looking for revenge following the T-Wolves’ ouster of them in the CIS semi-finals last March. Sharp shooting Johnny Berhanemeskel is already shredding the opposition at a sizzling 27.5 points per game.

6:00pm Women

8:00pm Men

6:00pm Women

8:00pm Men