Algoma men pick up tight victory

It was a busy weekend for the Algoma University basketball teams as the teams hosted the University of Windsor Lancers at the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University in Ontario University Athletics action.

In action on Saturday night the Algoma men held on for a 79-78 victory.

The Algoma men looked to be in a good position at the half before Windsor made things interesting in the third quarter.

Windsor mounted a comeback in the third quarter that saw the team turn a 14-point deficit into just a four-point difference.

As the teams traded baskets in the fourth, Windsor missed a last-second shot as Algoma held on for the victory.

“It was a great bounce-back game for us,” said Algoma Coach Thomas Cory. “We talked about coming back and just giving your best effort. Our guys battled and gave us everything they had.”

Cory spoke of Algoma taking advantage of Windsor coming off a big win Friday night.

“When you beat a team pretty bad the night before, you come in thinking it’s going to be the same,” Cory said.

Sean Clendinning led Algoma in Saturday’s win with 24 points while Cailum White added 16 points. Adam Benrabah chipped in with 15 points.

Mitch Farrell led Windsor with 23 points and seven rebounds. Mike Rocca added 17 points while Micqueel Martin had 15 points.

The Algoma women took a lead into the second half of Saturday's game but couldn't hold on.

Trailing by 10 at the half, Windsor outscored Algoma 39-11 in the third quarter en route to an 83-70 victory to pick up the sweep.

Karissa Kajorinne paced Algoma with 15 points. Carrera Lamoureux chipped in with 11. Jamerka Martin also hit double digits with 10 points. Mairead Dunn had eight points and eight rebounds for Algoma.

Emily Prevost of Windsor led all scorers in the game with 24 points and added 13 rebounds. Cheyanne Roger had 17 points. Kayah Clarke had 15 points and five assists as well for Windsor.

On Friday night, the Algoma women dropped a 76-64 decision to the Lancers.

Martin led Algoma with 14 points. Dunn chipped in with 12 points for Algoma.

Prevost of Windsor led all scorers in the contest with 21 points and added 11 rebounds. Clarke had 16 points for Windsor.

In the men’s game on Friday night, Windsor opened up a 45-17 lead by the half and beat Algoma 89-47. Damian Okungbowa and Elijah Butler had 10 points each for Algoma. Butler also had six rebounds. Clendinning had eight points and five steals for Algoma.

Rocca led all scorers in the game with 22 points and also has six rebounds. Lucas Orlita had 17 points while Martin had 12 points for Windsor.

Next up for Algoma is a road trip to take on the University of Guelph on Jan. 27. Next home action for the Algoma teams is Feb. 3 against Western.