MBB | Voyageurs Come Up Short After a Promising First Half
Laurentian University's men's basketball team took on the Algoma Thunderbirds for the second game of their weekend. After a strong first half outing, Algoma's play outbattled Laurentian's for their first win of the season.
The Voyageurs came into the game hungry for the ball. Every player on the court hunted the ball in any fashion they could. In the first half, Laurentian scored 15 second chance points, alongside the 7 turnovers they forced. Guard Ahmad Cidi-Jalloh had an impressive individual sequence, blocking a shot and forcing a turnover the possession after adding three to the team's point tally.
In the second quarter, the Vees tried a different lineup consisting of all bigs, trying to match Algoma's physical play. Ismael Konate provided help on the board as well as points, recording three second chance buckets coming off rebounds. Cidi-Jalloh blocked another shot down the line, forcing a shot clock violation, giving Laurentian control of the clock to close the half. In the dying seconds, To Randriasalama delivered a look-away three to extend their lead to 33-22 into halftime.
A third quarter letdown would spoil Laurentian's strong first half. After a made free throw by Morain, the Thunderbirds registered 17 unanswered points. A timeout by the Vees proved to be useful, sparking a run by Randriasalama, contributing to nine points in the final five minutes of third quarter play. Despite being outscored 34-14, the hosts trailed by only eight points, setting up an important fourth.
The Voyageurs came out hot, slicing between defenders and attacking the basket. With five minutes left in regulation, LU tied the match up at 66. Trailing by six with a minute to play, Laurentian took possession. Despite their attempts, Algoma proved to be too strong down the line, preventing any successful push by the Voyageurs.
Free throws in the dying moments finalised a 76-71 Algoma win, giving them their first of the year. Laurentian falls to 8-7 with time to regroup for their next game at Lakehead next week.
- Brendan Rubin