CIS men's basketball Saturdau roundup: Veterans carry T-Birds to 91-82 win over Dinos

In a game where four Marauders posted double digits, the Marauders overcame the Badgers, who they were previously tied with, in OUA West standings.

The Marauders played strong from beginning to end, showing the progress they've made in the past three weeks. Scott Brittain (Oakville, Ont.) led the Marauders in points, scoring 17. Team stats leader Cam Michaud (Grimsby, Ont.) and Big Mac of the Game Taylor Black (Stoney Creek, Ont) both recorded 14 points, and Kenan Etale (Dundas, Ont.) added 12. Victor Raso (Hamilton, Ont.) posted a game-high 13 rebounds in the win.

The Lead scorer for the Badgers was Mike Cruickshank (Toronto) with 20.

The win puts the Marauders at 7-5 on the season. The team rests until Friday, January 21 when they take on the second place Lakehead Thunderwolves (8-3) at 8 p.m. in the Burridge Gym.

Source: Jessie Barrett, Athletic Communications, McMaster

For three quarters the two teams played about as even a game as possible. The Gryphon's failure to execute down the stretch cost them their sixth defeat in their last seven games.

Dan McCarthy (Guelph, Ont.) returned to the Gryphon's line-up, and showed no signs of any rust as he scored a game high 29 points, shooting an impressive 11-15 from the field and 4-6 from three point range. Unfortunately, no other Gryphon could offer much else, with Michel Clark (Burlington, Ont.) scoring 10 while Michael Petrella (Brantford, Ont.) had nine, to go with six assists.

The Mustangs were led by Ryan Barbeau, who scored 24 points, 10 in the final quarter alone. Quinn Hederson netted 16 points while Garrett Olexiuk added 15. One bright spot for the Gryphon's was their ability to contain Andrew Wedemire, who had a quiet 12 points and nine rebounds.

Both teams kept in close throughout the game, with neither team able to extend much of a lead. The teams were tied at the end of the first quarter, and after trading runs in the second, went into the half even at 37 apiece.

The Mustangs were able to play a well disciplined game in the second, as the Gryphon's only attempted five free throws in the second half. As a team, the Gryphon's shot a very bad 47% from the charity stripe. The Mustangs countered by shooting 20-26 from the line, helping sealing the Gryphon's fate.

With six minutes remaining in the fourth, the Mustangs were able to start pulling away, holding the Gryphons without a field goal for a three minute span as they built up a comfortable lead they would not relinquish.

The Gryphon's will hope to change their luck on the road when they visit the Laurier Golden Hawks January 19th. Tipoff is scheduled for 8pm.

Source: Guelph Sports Info

Alan Goodhoofd (Oakville) led the black and gold in scoring with 17 points going 8 for 16 from the field and picking up eight rebounds in the process. Andrew Melbourne (Scarborough, Ont.) chipped in with 15 points of his own.

The Warriors played sound defensively but gave up two late back to back three's to fall to the powerhouse Lancers.

Lancers forward Isaac Kuon (Mississauga, Ont.) showed why he leads the OUA in scoring picking up 25 points going 8 for 17 from the field and a staggering five three pointers that shattered any hopes of a Warrior upset. Lien Phillip added 15 points shooting 78 percent from the field (7 for 9) to provide secondary scoring for Kuon.

Next game for Waterloo is Wednesday evening as they travel to St. Catharines for a return game against the Brock Badgers. Game time is 8:00pm.

Source: Waterloo Sports Info

Following an eventful first quarter with the ejection of Voyageurs Head Coach Shawn Swords, the boys faced a tough remainder of the game without their leader.

The momentum shifted in the first half, following a basket from Jamie Weldon (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) and a quick three-pointer from Isiah Pasquale (Victoria, BC), allowing Laurentian to take over the lead. Another quick rebound by Mike Hull (Victoria, BC) and a basket by Isiah (22 points in the first half) added to the newly acquired lead. The boys responded to the increased pressure, ending the half up by a score of 46-43.

In the third quarter, the Varsity Blues crept back in control, regaining the lead by three. By the final quarter, Toronto had taken a sizeable lead and maintained considerable control, solidifying the game.

Isiah Pasquale led the Voyageurs with 30 points, followed by Mike Hull with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Varsity Blues were led to victory by Andrew Wasik (Burnaby, BC) with 26 points and 8 rebounds.

"The guys reacted well, and came out strong in the second quarter and played our best defense, but we struggled with our weaknesses," stated Head Coach Shawn Swords.

Next up for your Laurentian Voyageurs is on the road on January 21 and 22 against Carleton and Ottawa. Continue to follow your Voyageur's season online at www.luvoyageurs.com.

Source: Laurentian Sports Info

Queen's held a 39-31 advantage heading into the final three minutes of the first half, but Ottawa used a 12-0 run in the closing moment to take a 43-39 lead at the half.

The Gee-Gees continued to pour on the pressure scoring 31 points in the third quarter and at one point holding a 17 point advantage.

To their credit, the Gaels never gave up winning the fourth quarter (18-14). However the damage of the third quarter was too much to overcome as Queen's never came within eight points of the lead after relinquishing it in the first half.

Johnny Berhanemeskel of Ottawa scored 16 of his 22 points in the third quarter to help sink the Gaels. Berhanemeskel in his first season with the Gee-Gees ended the game as the top scorer. He also tallied six rebounds and three assists and was seven of 10 from the field.

Dan Bannister of Newmarket, Ont. was Queen's top scorer registering 19 points in the loss. Chris Barrett of Vancouver was the Gaels most productive player with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists, and three steals. Barrett was also Queen's top rebounder.

Nicolia Misljencevic of Ottawa also posted 13 points for Queen's while Kingston's Matthew Baker registered 10 points. Baker's 10 points matched a career high which he set back on Dec. 2 against RMC.

Warren Ward of London, Ont., earned 20 points in the Ottawa victory while Josh Gibson-Bascombe of Toronto and Louis Gauthier of Ottawa each dropped 14 points.

The loss set up an interesting situation for the Gaels next weekend as the Ryerson Rams edged the York Lions 73-72 pushing them four points ahead of the Gaels in the OUA East standings. The Gaels are currently in seventh place with six teams qualifying for the OUA playoffs.

Queen's will visit the Ryerson Rams next Friday evening (Jan. 21) at 8:00pm in Toronto. On Saturday they will contend against the second place Toronto Varsity Blues. The Gaels have yet to face either team this season.

The Gaels next home game is set for Friday, February 4 against Toronto.

NOTES: The loss is the Gaels third straight... Queen's alumnus and former Sports Editor of the Queen's Journal (student newspaper), Neate Sager (Arts '00) made the trip from his home in Ottawa to assist with the TVCogeco broadcast on Saturday. Sager provided play-by-play commentary for both the men's and women's games which can be viewed on Monday evening at 8:30 on local channel 13 (Kingston).

Source: Queen's Sports Info

Lakehead seemed lackadaisical in the early goings, playing a 2-3 zone that Laurier annihilated in the first half, shooting 10-15 from 3. The one bright spot for LU in the first half was Yoosrie Salhia (Toronto, ON), who was 5-5 from the field with 11 points. The score at half-time was 56-35 Laurier. The second half started out with Lakehead much more focused and energetic, led by Venzal Russell (Detroit, MI), who nailed 2 three's in the first 3 minutes of the 3rd quarter. Laurier answered back, with Patrick Donnelly hitting a 3 of his own over Salhia.

The turning point of the game could have been when LU coach Scott Morrison was assessed a technical foul, after which Laurier sharp shooter Kale Harrison clanked the ensuing pair of free throws, and LU followed that with a defensive stop. LU won the third quarter 20-16 despite a Laurier 3 at the buzzer.

The fourth quarter was all LU, and in particular Jamie Searle (Belleville, ON) and Ryan Thomson (Oakville, ON), who hit 2 three's each in the quarter. But LU's offense was complimented by an oppressive defense, led by Greg Carter (Ottawa, ON), who on seemingly every possession forced Laurier guard Max Allin to turn several times in the back court before initiating a Laurier offense that was out of sorts for most of the 4th quarter. Venzal Russell also picked the pocket of a Laurier guard for an easy lay-up as LU mounted the comeback. LU out-scored Laurier in the 4th quarter 35-12.

All Lakehead starters scored in double figures, led by Searle with 23, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals, followed by Venzal Russell with 20 points, 7 assists and 5 steals. Laurier was led by Max Allin with 21 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds, followed by rookie Patrick Donnelly with 12 points and 2 assists. The two teams shot identical percentages from the field (43%), from 3 (60%) and the free throw line (65%).

Laurier coach Peter Campbell was impressed with how the 'Wolves competed in the second half:

"It was basically a reversal in game play from Friday to Saturday. Friday, Lakehead controlled the first half, and then we came on in the second half to win. Tonight, we were even more in control after the first half, but they competed harder than our guys in the second."

Scott Morrison was thankful for the win, but wants his players to learn from this game moving forward:

"I was proud of the guys' comeback for obvious reasons. We fell short of winning the split [due to point differential between Friday and Saturday's games] but came away with an important victory. Two things we can learn from this game: 1. Not to let an opponent's tough shots or big plays kill our momentum and confidence, and 2. That this is a level of play we are capable of every night if we can get ourselves in the right mind-set."

Source: Lakehead Sports Info

The men wasted no time in controlling the scoreboard in the first half, leaving the host team little chance of overtaking the No. 1 Ravens.

Dominating on the boards and with their shots, Carleton allowed the Paladins to drain only six and seven points in the third and fourth quarters respectively.

Carleton out-rebounded RMC 47-10.

Ravens third-year forward Kevin Churchill (Toronto) recorded a double-double, scoring a game-high 23 points and 10 rebounds.

The Ravens will look to extend their streak next weekend, hosting the Laurentian University Voyageurs Friday night and the York University Lions Saturday night at the Nest. Both days tip-off at 8 p.m.

Source: Carleton Sports Info

The Lions fought to keep up throughout the game after falling behind by 11 after the first quarter of play. They played much more aggressively in the second and were rewarded with several baskets to narrow the gap. At the half they trailed by just three, 34-31.

The home team continued its strong play in the third to take their first lead of the game and held a 50-46 advantage heading into the final frame. However in the fourth, Ryerson's Ola Adegboruwa (Toronto) made multiple key baskets and his team came down with several offensive rebounds to help the Rams keep pace with the Lions and eventually take the lead. Adegboruwa finished the game with 13 points.

Ryerson went up by five before the Lions closed the gap again, but could not get any closer than the one point that ended up being the difference.

Lions second-year forward Kravic had the game's only double-double, leading all players in scoring with 18 points and rebounds with 10.

Leading the way for the Rams was Afeworki Gebrekerestos (Ottawa) with 15 points and five assists. Luke Staniscia (Pefferlaw, Ont.) just missed out on a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.

Also having a big game for the Lions was Tyndale, who finished with 16 points and seven assists. Ostap Choliy (Oakville, Ont.) and Stefan Haynes (North York, Ont.) rounded out the balanced scoring attack for the Lions with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Choliy also had seven rebounds and eight assists, while Haynes came down with eight rebounds and a game-high four blocks.

With the loss, the Lions remain in fourth place in the OUA East standings at 6-7, while the Rams improved to 4-8 thanks to their win.

The schedule doesn't get any easier for the Lions with a trip to Ottawa awaiting them for next weekend. They will take on the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Friday night (Jan. 21) before facing off against the top team in the CIS in the undefeated Carleton Ravens on Saturday (Jan. 22).

Source: York Sports Info

The Bisons looked strong for the first three quarters of play, but lost the game in the fourth when Saskatchewan ran away with the score. The game would come to a close at 121-88 Huskies. With the result of this game Saskatchewan climbs to 11-3 on their season with an eight game conference winning streak and Manitoba falls to 7-7.

The Huskies would put their offense to work first, and grab the early lead over the Bisons, which they would defend for the entire first quarter. Manitoba managed to keep things close though, and Keith Omoerah would close out the quarter on a high note for the Bisons, igniting the crowd with a powerful alley-oop slam dunk in the dying seconds, finishing the first quarter at a score of 30-25 for Saskatchewan.

The second quarter of play would prove to be the one where Saskatchewan would make their move, shutting down almost any offense that the Bisons would try to generate, and making sure to finish their own opportunities. Manitoba looked frustrated as the first half came to a close, the Huskies up 54-34.

Leading scorers in the first half were Rejean Chabot (22 points) for Saskatchewan and captain Eric Garcia (eight points) for Manitoba.

The Bisons exploded out of the gate in the third quarter, scoring an early ten points to the Huskies five. They seemed to have found the pace they were looking for early on, and if they could keep it up, would surely be more than a handful for Saskatchewan. Manitoba continued to play great but somehow the Huskies were even better, and the ground that the Bisons worked to make up was lost, ending the third quarter at 84-64 for Saskatchewan.

Things only got worse for Manitoba in the fourth quarter, as the Huskies continued to score relentlessly, with Dave Neufeld sinking the basket that would put his team at 100, while the Bisons were still at 74. As gap got larger, emotions began to run wild and the clock ticked down slowly with foul after foul. Manitoba never gave up, but the Huskies proved to be too much once again as the final buzzer sounded at a score of 121-88 for Saskatchewan.

Leading scorers for the game were Jamelle Barrett notched 32 points plus Rejean Chabot with 30 points for the Huskies and Kevin Oliver had his season-high 31 points and nine rebounds for Manitoba.

Manitoba plays next in Alberta against the Pandas, and will play in the Investors Group Athletic Centre again on Friday, January 28 at 8 p.m. CT.

Source: Manitoba Sports Info

The Vikes went into the final quarter trailing 48-42 but went on to outscore Winnipeg 29-16 in the final quarter.

The victory completes a weekend sweep for Victoria and improves their record to 9-7. Winnipeg's record sits at 2-12.

Ryan Mackinnon led Victoria with 21 points, including three-three pointers. Marco Dolcetti finished with 20.

Kelvin Smith led the Wesmen with 18 points. Nolan Gooding added 13 and Benny Iko had 12 points and nine rebounds.

Winnipeg held a slim 14-13 lead after the opening quarter and picked up the pace in the second quarter outscoring the Vikes 20-14 to carry a 34-27 lead at halftime. Winnipeg shot the lights out in the first half connecting on 56% shooting from the field.

In the third quarter both teams played strong on the defensive side of the ball limiting each team to very few points. Victoria outscored Winnipeg by a slim 15-14 margin to trail 48-42 after three quarters.

Winnipeg held a 60-51 lead 3:15 into the final frame when Victoria made their charge. The Vikes went on a 12-2 run in a span of four minutes to take a 63-62 lead. After a pair of Kelvin Smith free throws put Winnipeg ahead 64-63, Ryan Mackinnon scored five straight points to give Victoria a 68-64 lead with 47 seconds remaining. Victoria hit their free throws at the end to secure the win.

Victoria will host the Lethbridge Pronghorns next weekend. Winnipeg will host the Regina Cougars on Friday and Saturday in Winnipeg.

Source: Winnipeg Sports Info

With Thompson Rivers (3-13) trailing by two points in the waning moments of the contest, Kevin Pribilsky passed out of a double team to a wide-open Kok, who buried the three ball to put the visiting WolfPack ahead by one.

The Cougars (8-6) called a timeout and successfully inbounded to Jeff Lukomski, but the fifth-year guard's turnaround baseline jumper hit the side of the backboard.

Pribilsky was fantastic for Thompson Rivers in the victory, going 5-for-10 from three-point land and ending up with a game-high 22 points. Greg Stewart notched a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds and also led all players with four blocked shots.

After having a big game on Friday, Kok was quiet on Saturday until his game-winning dagger. He ended up going 3-for-18 from the field and scored 10 points.

Paul Gareau led the Cougars in scoring for the second consecutive night, ending up with 21 points and a game-high five steals. Lukomski had 13 points and led all players with six assists, while Marek Downarowicz had 10 points and a team-leading eight rebounds.

The Cougars will travel to Winnipeg for a pair of contests against the 2-12 Wesmen next weekend, while Thompson Rivers is back in action against Saskatchewan (11-3) in Saskatoon.

NOTES: Saturday marked the first time since the teams first met in 2005 that Thompson Rivers has beaten Regina ... Lukomski passed Joel Hunter for fourth on the U of R's all-time list with 1360 career points and needs just three more to surpass Chris Biegler for third place ... Gareau's .599 field goal percentage this season ranks fourth in U of R single-season history, trailing only Mark Gottselig (.624, 1990-91), Daniel Meltesen (.615, 2005-06), and Gottselig (.604, 1989-90).

Source: Regina Sports info

For the first 35 minutes, the Horns and Bobcats went back and forth with neither team holding more than a 7 point lead and the score being tied on 10 different occasions. A 12-1 run over a four minute span for the Horns broke the previously tight game open, and 10 consecutive free throws sealed the Horns victory. At the half the score was knotted at 34, and the Horns held a slim one point lead after three quarters at 49-48.

Despite a solid rebounding night, out rebounding the Bobcats 60 -36, the Horns did not make it easy on themselves, turning the ball over 24 times to the Bobcats 16. Without 29 offensive rebounds, the turnovers could have been far more costly. Another determining factor in the outcome was the Horns ability to get the foul line, hitting 32 of 44 while making more free throws than the Bobcats even attempted. Brandon was exceptional from the charity stripe, but only made 27 appearances while only missing four.

After going scoreless in the opening quarter, senior guard Danhue Lawrence exploded for 26 points over the final three quarters to lead all scorers, and with 11 rebounds picked up his second double-double of the season. Derek Waldner also registered a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Horns leading scorer Randy Davis chipped in with 23 points. Junior College transfer Niko Kovac had his best night as a Horn grabbing 12 boards, including 10 at the offensive end.

For the Bobcats Kyrie Coleman registered the third double-double of the game and led the visitors with 17 points and 12 rebounds. O'Brian Wallace was once again productive coming off the bench for the Bobcats chipping in with 15 points.

The Horns will now head out on the road, traveling to Victoria to face the Vikes, and the Bobcats will return home to face the UBC Thunderbirds.

Source: Lethbridge Sports Info