OUA PLAY BEGINS THIS WEEKEND

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Basketball Teams Begin OUA Play vs Queen's, York

October 30, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The women's and men's basketball teams will begin their regular seasons on the road this weekend in Kingston and Toronto, as they face the Queen's Gaels Friday and the York Lions on Saturday.

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

Webcast coverage for all game will be available via SSN Canada

Men (0-0, 3-5 pre-season)

The men's team seeks to get their line up of new players working in unison this weekend, as their pre-season has been marked by good individual performances but a discernible absence of sustained team play. Some of these expected speed bumps are hoped to be addressed as they begin the regular season.

The Gaels won last year's match-up in Thunder Bay, 96-87, fuelled by forward Greg Faulker's 22 points in a game that was decided from the free throw line, as Queen's had 44 attempts from the charity stripe (compared to Lakehead's 27).

Coach Matt Erdman:

"The start of conference play is always an exciting time. We play two really tough teams in Queen's and York who pose different threats in their own right. Continuing to improve on our pre-season, sticking to the game plan for 40 minutes and having a new-found sense of urgency is the focus for the week leading into the weekend."

Game Schedule (All times Eastern)

Friday @ Queen's - Women 6pm; Men 8pm

Saturday @ York - Women 6pm; Men 8pm

Webcast Coverage available via SSN Canada (both nights)

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

L.U. Finishes Pre-season with Close Loss to Manitoba

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Bisons Edge T-Wolves, 74-72

McIntosh marks new career high with 28 points

October 26, 2013 — Winnipeg, Man.

The men's basketball team lost narrowly to the Manitoba Bisons on Saturday evening, 74-72.

The first half was marked by sloppy play and lots of turnovers, with the halftime score 24-23 for Manitoba.

Lakehead began the second half with more energy on defense, converting several baskets off turnovers and getting to the free throw line, going on a 10-2 run to begin the half. Manitoba would battle back before the 3rd quarter ended, tying things at 46 heading into the final frame.

The Thunderwolves led by 5 points with 3 minutes left but saw their lead dwindle as the Bisons made a final push, including some key free throws down the stretch.

Jamar Coke hit a 3-pointer with 7 seconds remaining to bring the 'Wolves within 1, 73-72, but could do no more than throw up a half court prayer as time expired.

Anthony McIntosh set a new career high with 28 points to go with 5 rebounds. Senior guard Dwayne Harvey scored 10 points with 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Justin Bell scored 9 points with 5 rebounds.

For the Bisons, Justus Alleyn led with 18 points, while Andrea Arruda scored 15; the two rookies combined for 17-of-20 from the free throw line. Forward Keegan Slijker had 10 points and 5 blocked shots.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We competed more tonight but didn't execute at the most crucial times of the game. The most important thing is for our new guys to become fast learners because next week conference play starts and you can't get those games back."

The men's team begin their regular season schedule next weekend in Kingston vs Queen's followed the York Lions in Toronto.

Winnipeg 2-0 Vs 'Wolves on Season - Take on Manitoba Tonight 9PM Eastern

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

'Wolves Drop 75-64 Decision to Winnipeg

October 25, 2013 — Winnipeg, Man..

(with files from Winnipeg Sports Info)

The men's basketball team dropped a 75-64 decision to the Winnipeg Wesmen on Friday evening.

Fifth year forward Steven Wesley led the Wesmen with a game high 14 points. Third year forward Jelane Pryce added 12 points and six rebounds. First year forward Ryan Oirbans from Melbourne, Australia finished with 10 points and a team high eight rebounds. Fifth year guard Andrew Cunningham dished out 10 assists.

Lakehead was led by fourth year forward Anthony McIntosh's 13 points and three steals. Igor Lebov had a double-double 12 points, 12 rebounds.

The hometown Wesmen gained the advantage early on leading 15-12 after the opening quarter and continued to hold the lead at halftime by a margin of 31-27.

Winnipeg connected on 14-of-28 (50%) from the field in the opening half. Lakehead finished the opening half 11-of-26 (42%) in the opening 20 minutes.

A strong third quarter by Winnipeg enabled the Wesmen to extend their lead to 56-47 after three quarters. Winnipeg held a double-digit lead for a stretch in the final quarter and did not let up making the final tally 75-64.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We gave up too many offensive boards throughout the game and continued to turn the ball over which has been a huge issue for us. If we clean up those two key areas, we'll have a chance to be in games at the end."

The men play Manitoba tomorrow evening at 9pm ET. Webcast will be carried via CanadawestTV

Wolves Head to Winnipeg for Final Preseason Tune-up

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Men's Basketball Visit Wesmen, Bisons This Weekend 

October 23, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The men's basketball team travels to Winnipeg this weekend for a pair of non-conference games, vs the Winnipeg Wesmen Friday and the Manitoba Bisons Saturday.

The Thunderwolves lost to the Wesmen at the beginning of October by a slim 4-point margin, 82-78 in the Thunderdome. It's been several years since the the 'Wolves and Bisons played each other. The Bisons went 14-8 in Canada West play last season, averaging 83 points per game.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"This weekend provides us another opportunity to play two quality opponents in Winnipeg and Manitoba. It's a chance to improve on a number of areas from last weekend, especially playing with a sense of urgency from the tip and sticking to the game plan for 40 minutes. We understand there will be some learning curves and adjustments with so many new faces and guys playing in roles they haven't played in before but this is our last chance to get the kinks out before conference play. Winnipeg is a very good team that takes advantage of poor defensive execution. They make you pay for poor rotations and screen defense with outside shooting and dribble penetration. Manitoba on the other hand is going to test our defensive transition and they have a bunch guys that can make plays at the offensive end."

Game Schedule:

Friday, Oct 25 vs Winnipeg @ 7pm ET (webcast via CanadaWestTV)

Saturday, Oct 26 vs Manitoba @ 9pm ET (no webcast)

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Lakehead Beats Bishops' 78-70 in Game 3 of House Laughton Tournament

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

'Wolves Win 78-70 vs Bishop's

Lakehead finishes weekend 1-2

October 20, 2013 — Ottawa, Ont.

The men's basketball team finished Carleton's House-Laughton tournament with a 78-70 win over the Bishop's Gaiters.

Once again the 'Wolves were caught off guard to begin the game, trailing 21-13 after 10 minutes and 38-28 at the half.

Lakehead would get their game together in the 3rd quarter, erasing the 10 point deficit to tie things at 52 heading into the final frame. The 4th quarter saw the Thunderwolves finish the weekend strong and get an 8-point victory.

Four Thunderwolves scored in double digits, led by Dwayne Harvey with 22 points, followed by Anthony McIntosh with 14, Igor Lebov with 13, and Henry Tan with 10.

The Gaiters top scorer was Onnex Blackwood with 18 points and a game-high 9 rebounds.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"It was good to get a win under our belts but we still struggled out of the gate and turned it over way too many times in the first half [16 TOs]. The second half game plan was executed and things started to turn our way. We took care of the ball and played with the sense of urgency needed on a nightly basis."

The men's team play their final non-conference games in Winnipeg next weekend.

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

'Wolves Fall Short in Final Minutes to Victoria

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Vikes Upend T-Wolves 68-60

October 19, 2013 — Ottawa, Ont.

The men's basketball team lost to the Victoria Vikes Saturday evening, 68-60.

In this contest the 'Wolves got down early and couldn't battle back over the course of the game. They also didn't have a defensive answer for Victoria's Terell Evans, who went 12-of-19 from the floor to score 28 points with 5 rebounds.

For the 'Wolves, transfer forward Igor Lebov led the team with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony McIntosh scored 20 points (9-of-17 FG).

Vikes forward Chris McLaughlin had 22 points and 8 rebounds.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We've started the 1st and 3rd quarters with no sense of urgency and dug ourselves into a hole and because we lack experience we don't know how to get out of it. We still haven't followed the game plan for 40 minutes. UVic did a great job of executing down the stretch and in my opinion, are one of the best teams in the country because they are extremely disciplined and can hurt you in different ways."

The men's team will finish off their weekend tomorrow against Bishops at 2 pm. No webcast is currently scheduled.

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Wolves Drop Game 1 79-60 to Carleton

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Ravens Beat T-Wolves 79-60

October 18, 2013 — Ottawa, Ont.

The men's basketball team was beat by the Carleton Ravens on Friday evening, 79-60 in their first game of the House-Laughton non-conference tournament.

The 'Wolves managed to hang with the national champs through the first 10 minutes, trailing 26-23 after the first quarter, thanks to a Henry Tan three that banked in to finish the frame. Tan netted 12 in the first half and would finish with 14 points and 6 rebounds to lead Lakehead.

The Ravens led 39-31 at the half and would extend their lead incrementally as the game progressed.

Dwayne Harvey scored 9 points with 6 assists, and Igor Lebov scored 11 points (2-2 3pt) and grabbed 9 rebounds for the 'Wolves.

The Ravens were led by Tyson Hinz with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Kevin Churchill scored 14 points with 7 boards, and Phil Scrubb had 13 points with 4 assists.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"Overall I was pleased with the effort but there has to be a commitment to rebounding on defense every possession. We didn't value the ball either. When you turn it over 14 times compared to their 4, it's tough to beat any team let alone a team that makes you pay for every mistake. The focus with our group is learning how to stick to the game plan for 40 minutes on both ends."

The men play Victoria tomorrow at 6pm.

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Lakehead University Thunderwolves 2013-14 Athletics Video Teaser

'Wolves Take on Carleton in House-Laughton Tournament Opener

The Lakehead Thunderwolves landed in Ottawa last night in preparation for their second pre-season tune-up as part of a tough lineup of teams in the annual Carleton House-Laughton Tournament.
The 'Wolves open up against host Carleton tonight (Friday) at 8PM.
In the evenings other matchup  - University of Victoria Vikes face the Bishops University Gaiters.
Lakehead will face Victoria at 6pm on Saturday and Bishops at 12pm Sunday.

The 'Wolves started the season with a 2-1 record in the Zanatta Games, a 3 game series hosted in the Thunderdome during Homecoming Weekend.

This weekend will mark the season debut of 6'7 forward Joey Nitychoruk (3rd Year, Winnipeg) as well as the CIS debut of 7'1" big man Andrew McCarthy (3rd Year, Scituate -Mass).  Both Nitychoruk and McCarthy sat out the Zanatta games with injuries but are expected to play some minutes this weekend in Ottawa.
This weekend will also mark the first games under interim head Coach Matt Erdman and lead assistant Coach Mark English.  Coach Morrison started his temporary leave with the Maine Red Claws on October 10th.

The tournament scheduled to be broadcast on ssncanada.ca  (Lakehead vs Carleton 8pm Eastern Time)

Lakehead Finishes Zanatta Games at 2-1 with Victory over Brandon

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

T-Wolves Finish Weekend Strong

Thunderwolves win 84-69 against a gritty Brandon Bobcat team

October 5, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The men's basketball team ended their John Zanatta invitational on a winning note, 84-69 over the Brandon Bobcats.

Very little came easy for the 'Wolves in the early going. It was clear that the rookie-stacked roster still had some soul searching to do, with the Bobcats leading 21-19 after ten minutes, which included 2 technical fouls being assessed to Brandon players for on-court chicanery.

Lakehead did make up the ground in the 2nd quarter to lead 38-34 at the break.

Brandon's swift group of athletes were a handful for Lakehead defenders, most notably Kenonte Ramsey, who scored 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including some late three's that made things interesting for the capacity Thunderdome crowd.

After making runs to establish double-digit leads in the 3rd and 4th quarters, Lakehead's defense broke down repeatedly, which wasn't helped by costly turnovers in the open court leading to lay-ups and open three-pointers for Brandon. The Bobcats narrowed the T-Wolf lead to 74-69 with two such consecutive plays, only to have Lakehead push back in the final minutes on a 10-0 run of their own to close out the game.

Brandon's other top scorers were Emerick Ravier with 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Ilarion Bonhomme made 5 assists with 9 points.

For the 'Wolves, Henry Tan led with 19 points (8-9 FT) and fellow guard Dwayne Harvey scored 15 points with 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Jamar Coke scored 13 points, including some clutch 3-pointers down the stretch.

Lakehead made 23 of 28 free throw attempts, compared to Brandon's 6 of 12.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"After a disappointing loss yesterday I was pleased with the way our young team bounced back today and made a better effort to execute the game plan. Kudos to Jamar Coke, Henry Tan and Anthony McIntosh for bouncing back after a rough outing Friday. Everyone contributed to a team win today, it was a good way to finish this segment of the pre-season."

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

Winnipeg tops 'Wolves in Zanatta Games Round 2

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Wesmen Outlast T-Wolves, 82-78

October 4, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The men's basketball team were handed their first loss of the pre-season on Friday evening, 82-78 at the hands of the Winnipeg Wesmen.

The Wesmen, a team that has dropped a string of games to the T-Wolves in recent years finally got revenge, thanks to a huge game from forward Steven Wesley, who torched the 'Wolves for 35 points on 14-of-18 shooting.

The Wesmen were on a mission from the hop, leading 24-17 after the first quarter as Lakehead struggled to find its rhythm on the offensive end. Halftime score was 39-32 for the Wesmen.

From there on out the two teams would play even down the stretch, exchanging runs, finally with the 'Wolves making a late effort and tying the game twice in the final minutes, but Winnipeg having an answer both times.

Andrew Cunningham and Jelane Pryce rounded out the scoring for the Wesmen with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

For the 'Wolves, Dwayne Harvey had a strong game scoring 27 points with 9 rebounds. Veteran Forward Anthony McIntosh had a career-high 19 points to go with 11 rebounds. Freshman Henry Tan scored 12 points, showing lots of speed in the open court.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"Despite our goal of improving every night this weekend, I felt we took a step back in terms of our defensive execution tonight. Winnipeg is a very good team that does not let you get away with poor execution. They make you pay for poor rotations and screen defense with outside shots and dribble penetration to the bucket. Despite our performance we were still in the game late thanks to the gritty performance of Dwayne Harvey, but mental errors prevented us from finishing it off."

The Wesmen play tomorrow at 3:00pm vs Algoma.

Lakehead will conclude their John Zanatta Invitational against the Brandon Bobcats at 8:00pm tomorrow evening.

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic

From Tbaynewswatch.com

Basketball Wolves start pre-season with win

By Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com

• 
  Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com 
  Lakehead guard Henry Tan (right) drives to the net against Algoma's Brett Zufelt Thursday night at the Thunderdome.

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Henry Tan spent last season on the sidelines, recovering from a torn ACL that derailed his NCAA dreams.

On Thursday he showed why the Lakehead Thunderwolves were only too willing to wait for him to recover.

Tan, making his pre-season debut in the Zanatta Invitational, scored 14 points, helping the Wolves to a convincing 79-54 win over the first-year Algoma University Thunderbirds, playing their first CIS contest after making the jump from the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.

It was a great confidence boost, the Vaughn, Ont. native said.

“It feels great, being out there for the first time, playing my first college game and playing after my ACL injury. I just wanted to play my style of game and just help the team out any way possible,” Tan said.

“I think I did a pretty good job. I just wanted to get a lot of paint touches, finish around the rim and do well in transition.”

Though Tan technically qualifies as a rookie, he spent most of last season training with the Thunderwolves while rehabilitating his injured knee.

But with seven key players gone from last year’s national finalist team, the Wolves are going to have to make plenty of adjustments this year.

Learning how to win all over again is important, which is why it was key to start the season off on a winning note.

Although they trailed the Thunderbirds 4-0 in the early stages of the Thunderdome contest, they rolled out to a 20-8 lead after the opening quarter and took a 39-22 lead into the half.

“We had to set the pace early, especially with the young guys coming in. We have a lot of them. With the veterans, and me, kind of returning, and having that experience from last year, I think it will help us not just in the beginning, but throughout the year,” Tan said.
“There’s a lot of good things we did today, but there’s a lot of improvements we can make too, especially with Algoma playing (just) their first game in the league.”

The Wolves were led by returning guard Dwayne Harvey, who paced the attack with 17 points.

It was a chance for coach Scott Morrison – who leaves the team next week for a sabbatical in Maine coaching in the Boston Celtics system – to see exactly what he’s leaving behind for interim coach Matt Erdman to work with.

There was good and bad he said.

The good came in the form of rookie Igor Lebov, who scored eight quick points in the fourth quarter. Seven-foot centre Brent Wallace also showed flashes of brilliance, collecting six points and five boards, while second-year guard Alex Robichaud put up seven points.
Still, Morrison said there is work to be done.

“I definitely didn’t like our execution in terms of our game plan. At this time of the season the game plan is pretty simple. It’s mainly just regurgitating stuff that we’ve been working on for two months now,” Morrison said.

“It’s just basic stuff in our system and I thought we did a bit of a bad job.”

Morrison said he didn’t want his players getting overconfident with the result, saying a lot of their hoops were due to inexperience on the Algoma side.

“They aren’t the strongest team at this time of year and I don’t the score is reflective of how we played. We didn’t play all that well. Maybe we got a little fool’s gold, made some lucky shots.”
Beyond the arc: Lakehead will take on Laurentian at 8 p.m. on Friday, while Algoma plays Brandon in the 3 p.m. contest ... A.J. Barber led the way for the Thunderbirds with 12 points. Jimmy Bilenga had nine ... No Algoma player had more than four rebounds. Harvey led Lakehead with nine ... Wallace blocked a pair of shots.

'Wolves Open Season with Win over Algoma U

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Men's Hoops Win 79-54 Over Algoma

October 3, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

The men's basketball team began their John Zanatta Invitational with a 79-54 win over the Algoma Thunderbirds.

The game presented the newest member of the OUA in Algoma University, who will play in the OUA East division. This weekend will give them an opportunity to see what CIS competition is all about, as Lakehead gave them a lesson in the Thunderdome on Thursdayevening, jumping out to a 21-8 lead after ten minutes.

The T-Wolves would cruise from there, using the opportunity to get their bevy of new players some court time. Lakehead led 39-22 at the half.

Veteran Dwayne Harvey led all scorers with 17 points to go with 9 rebounds, and showed himself as an emerging floor leader for Lakehead's new look team. Freshman Henry Tan scored 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

Lakehead out-rebounded Algoma 48-23.

For the Thunderbirds, A.J. Barber led with 12 points while Jimmy Bilenga scored 9.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"While it wasn't pretty, it was great to get on the floor competing against a different team. I was pleased with our hustle at times but disappointed in the execution of our game plan. Our young players have to learn that executing a game will give you a chance to win against the tougher teams."

Algoma will play the Brandon Bobcats tomorrow afternoon at 3pm.

The Lakehead men continue play tomorrow evening at 8:00pm against the Winnipeg Wesmen.

– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

Season Opens Thursday with Zanatta Games

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca

Zanatta Invitational Begins Thursday Evening

October 2, 2013 — Thunder Bay, Ont.

Homecoming 2013 is upon Lakehead Athletics this weekend, with a full schedule of events, including 11 basketball games making up the John Zanatta Invitational tournament.

The visiting women's teams include the Algoma Thunderbirds, Manitoba Bisons and the Laurentian Voyageurs.

On the men's side, the Algoma Thunderbirds, Brandon Bobcats and Winnipeg Wesmen will visit the Thunderdome.

Action will get underway Thursday evening with the Lakehead women's and men's teams taking on the Algoma Thunderbirds in their first games of the exhibition season. The women tip off at 6:00pm, with the men at 8:00pm.

A full weekend schedule follows:

Thursday,  October 3

6:00 pm             Lakehead v. Algoma (WBB)

8:00 pm             Lakehead v. Algoma (MBB)

Friday,  October 4

1:00 pm             Manitoba v. Algoma (Women)

3:00 pm             Brandon v. Algoma (Men)

6:00 pm             Lakehead v. Laurentian (Women)

8:00 pm             Lakehead v. Winnipeg (Men)

Saturday, October 5

11:00am            Wall of Fame Ceremony (Hangar)

1:00 pm             Laurentian v. Algoma (Women)

3:00 pm             Winnipeg v. Algoma (Men)

6:00 pm             Lakehead v. Manitoba (Women)

8:00 pm             Lakehead v. Brandon (Men)