LU hoops squad powers on

The Lakehead Thunderwolves aren't taking any chances.

The No. 2 seed in the nation, the Wolves have locked up first place in the OUA West, but still poured it on Friday night against the visiting Guelph Gryphons, cracking the century mark in a 100-78 win, looking to ensure every advantage to make it back to nationals in Halifax next month.

LU (19-2), which gets a first-round bye when playoffs start next week, will host a single playoff game next Saturday before heading to the OUA Final Four – should they win – where they'll another victory would ensure a trip to Halifax.

A loss and they'll have to rely on the at-large wild card spot, which would require a bronze-medal win and the favourable eyes of the selection committee who will determine the eighth and final berth at nationals.

The Wolves don't want to leave anything to chance.

Missing Yoosrie Salhia for a third-straight contest, with Brendan King and Joseph Nitychoruk also out because of injuries, Lakehead did Friday night what they've done all season, turn to other sources of offence to sweep past the Gryphons.

Ryan Thomson paced the Lakehead attack, burying 24 points and adding nine rebounds, while Venzal Russell dipsy-doodled his way to 22 as the Wolves raced out to a 26-9 lead after the opening quarter and never looked back.

Kareem Malcolm led the Gryphons (8-13) with 21, too many in the eyes of LU coach Scott Morrison, whose squad gave up 78, out of character against a team struggling to make the playoffs.

"Guelph outplayed us for half of the game, but we were fortunate to ride our good starts in the first and third to get the win," coach Scott Morrison said in a release issued by the team. 

"I was pleased with the effort of our starters tonight including Joseph Jones off the bench. After the game we challenged our second unit to raise their level of play tomorrow.  We are close to finishing our regular season goals but need to put together a more balanced effort to do so."

The Wolves and Gryphons, who are tied for the sixth and final playoff berth with Western, wrap up OUA play on Saturday night. Game time is 8 p.m.

Beyond the arc: Laurier, all but assured second place in the OUA a few weeks ago, is on the verge of falling to No. 3 and being forced to play a first-round game on Wednesday. The Golden Hawks (16-5) and McMaster Marauders (16-5) are tied for second and meet Saturday afternoon to determine second place. McMaster beat Laurier by 10 points in their first meeting, meaning the Hawks must win by 11 or more or be relegated to third.