THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – Facing the #1 team basketball team in the country, the Lakehead University Thunderwolves looked unintimidated for stretches, but couldn’t hang with the Ottawa Gee-Gees for 40 minutes, surrendering in an 89-61 loss.
Nick Burke opened the game with a three for Lakehead. Then Ottawa rolled off 13 points in row. The Gee-Gees’ combination of size, experience, and shooting touch that goes strong through their starting lineup and deep into the bench is a formidable force.
After getting some vital stops on defense, Lakehead was rolling, and regained the lead, 34-29 with four minutes remaining in the first half. Those final four minutes would see the Gee-Gees go on a 14-0 run to restore a comfortable lead, much to the chagrin of coach Manny Furtado.
“Our guys battled hard tonight, but we took some plays off, and you can’t do that against the best and expect to beat them.”
Gee-Gee Mike L’Africain looked to be in a class of his own on Friday, going 10-for-15 from the field for 25 points.
Persad was Lakehead’s leading scorer with 15, while Bacarius Dinkins scored 14 points with 8 rebounds. Alex Robichaud was held scoreless on 0-of-5 shooting, but as usual was the ‘Wolves rock on defense, matching up against Caleb Agada, who went 6-of-17 from the field for 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Webcast will be available via OUA TV. Audio broadcast available via CILU Radio, 102.7 FM