WINNIPEG -- A last minute layup cost the Lakehead Thunderwolves a win in their first game action in more than a month.
Alberta’s Kenneth Otieno drove to the hole and scored to lead the Golden Bears to a 65-64 win over Lakehead in their opener of the non-conference Wesmen Classic at the Duckworth Centre on Sunday.
Otieno led Alberta with 19 points while also adding five assists.
Alex Robichaud finished with a team-high 17 points for Lakehead after draining five three-pointers in the first half. Jamar Coke finished with
Alberta opened the game strong, jumping out to a 22-13 lead after the first quarter.
That lead all but evaporated over the next 10 minutes, as Lakehead answered back to trail 38-37 at recess.
After the Golden Bears opened the second half on an 11-2 run en route to carrying a 54-48 lead into the fourth but Lakehead clawed ahead, taking a 60-56 lead with less than five minutes remaining in regulation and held a 64-63 lead until Otieno’s game-winning bucket.
The Thunderwolves had two chances to retake the lead in the final 12 seconds but both of their attempts were off the mark.
Lakehead continues tournament play on Monday as they take on the No. 7 Calgary Dinos.
