Kate Kopec Sparks Lakehead Thunderwolves to Top Hawks

Waterloo, Ont – SPORTS – Kache Kopec provided a spark off the bench for Lakehead, drilling four threes and helping Lakehead overcome an early deficit to defeat to Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks 89-85.

In traditional fashion, Laurier kept their foot on the pedal on offense, leading 49-39 at halftime.

The difference maker for Lakehead came in the third quarter, as Bacarius Dinkins continued to make space in the lane, and get to the free throw line. On the game Dinkins went 8-of-11 from the charity stripe, and 9-of-16 from the field for a solid 26-point, 13-rebound double-double. Lakehead out-scored Laurier 27-16 in the frame to lead by one, 66-65 with 10 minutes to play.

Kache Kopec came off the bench to provide the outside touch Lakehead has been lacking for much of the season. The rookie from Kelowna, B.C. went 4-of-5 from behind the arc and finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes of play.

The clincher for Lakehead came in the final minute, with Lakehead leading by one, 84-83. Henry Tan drove down the middle of the key and pitched to Alex Robichaud, whom to that point had just two points. The versatile Thunder Bay swingman shot the open three without hesitation, and watched it swish through with 30 seconds to play.

The Hawks then came down and after a 20-second sequence missed a three pointer. Robichaud grabbed the rebound and was fouled, then coolly sank the free throws to seal the win with 5 seconds to play.

Tan played the entire game and finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

Matt Chesson put together an admirable performance for the Hawks with 28 points and 13 rebounds.

Coach Manny Furtado commented “We gave up a lot of points in the first half which is a little concerning but our guys never quit. They kept battling and working hard and pulled out a big win. To go 2-0 this time of year on a road trip is big for our program. Now we need to turn our attention to the #1 team in the country Ryerson.”

Lakehead returns home to play Ryerson and Toronto next weekend in the Thunderdome.