Lakehead University Athletics Department
www.thunderwolves.ca
The Thunderwolves started well, but could not contain the most dangerous home team in the CIS for a full 40 minutes, as Lakehead bowed out of the OUA playoffs, 93-71 to the Ryerson Rams.
The 'Wolves were successful in weathering the storm early on, as they battled in the first quarter, which was capped off by 10 straight points by Bacarius Dinkins to lead 23-19. Alex Robichaud hit two 3-pointers in the first quarter as well to respond to an imposing rival atmosphere at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
At the conclusion of the first quarter Robichaud and Ryerson's Adam Voll got tangled up, after which Voll and Lakehead coach Manny Furtado were assessed technical fouls.
The undoing of the 'Wolves momentum would be their spotty defensive rebounding in the second quarter. The Rams had the benefit of copious offensive rebounds leading to open shots, and made the 'Wolves work longer on defense. Adika Peter-McNeilly keyed several runs for Ryerson in the second Q, as they out-scored Lakehead 31-11 to lead at the break 50-34. Peter-McNeilly finished with 19 points and 3 assists.
In the second half Ryerson cranked up the pressure with a full court press that seemed to keep the 'Wolves on their heels, although Lakehead showed great fight through it all, as Bacarius Dinkins continued to work his post game. His opposing big man Kadeem Green proved to be his match in the second half, as Green responded with one smooth jumper after another, which maintained Ryerson's 16-point cushion though three quarters, 67-51.
Alex Robichaud, who was playing to extend his Lakehead career to the OUA Final Four, would foul out with six minutes left to play. He finished with 8 points and 7 rebounds, and completed his career as he defined it the past five years: with tough defense, tremendous hustle, and a touch from outside the arc. Robichaud succeeded in limiting Ryerson's top scorer Aaron Best to 6 points.
Lakehead clawed back within 12 points of the Rams in the final quarter on two occasions but could never get the defensive stops they needed.
Bacarius Dinkins scored a game-high 25 points with 12 rebounds, while his counterpart Kadeem Green had 17 points and 7 boards.
Henry Tan had his best outing of the past four games, scoring 15 points with 2 assists and 2 steals.
Rookie Darnell Curtin got the start for Lakehead and scored 3 points with 7 rebounds, while Nick Burke chipped n 9 points with 4 boards and 2 assists.
Coach Manny Furtado:
"Our guys competed all year and tonight was no different. I'm really proud of how we grew together over the year and steadily improved. We'll learn from tonight and this season and be better for it next season."
Thus ends the 2015-16 season for Lakehead Basketball, who finish the year with a record of 22-13 overall (Non-Conf 11-3, OUA 10-9, Playoffs 1-1).
