Algoma men split a pair at Loyalist tourney

BELLEVILLE – The Algoma University Thunderbirds compiled a 1-1 record at the 36th annual New Year's Classic, hosted by Loyalist College in Belleville.

AUC won their opening game against Centennial College before being defeated by Algonquin on day two, a loss that eliminated them from the tournament. The loss saw AUC struggle in a slow start and could not battle back.

In AUC's win over Centennial Ariel Baptiste had 31 points, 18 from three-pointers, as they defeated Centennial 90-73. Zach Wright also had a strong game with 21 points. Andrew Turgeon added nine points. Centennial's Odane Harding had 22 points while Reseedi McKenley added 21 and Dayne Pilarim added 12 in the loss.

The game was tight as AUC led 40-38 at the half before breaking it opening in the second.

On day two two AUC dropped an 89-61 decision to Algonquin in a game that saw Algonquin opened the game on a 14-0 run. Ahmed Eman led Algonquin with 21 points while Blake Potter added 14. In all, five Algonquin players finished the game with double-digit point totals.

Cory Glastier led AUC with 19 points in just over 16 minutes of action. Glastier hit five three-pointers. Lloyd Coke, who received a technical foul and was ejected late in the second half, finished the loss with 10 points.

*** TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

In other action at the New Year's Classic:

Day 1

Algonquin vs. Redeemer – Every player on their roster scored at least two points as Algonquin defeated Redeemer 92-58. Blake Potter led the way with 12 points while Taj Ford and Ahmed Eman added 11 each. Mike Soluk of Redeemer led all scorers in the game with 15 points.

John Abbott vs. Loyalist – The nationally ranked John Abbott Islanders of Montreal dropped 47 second-half points in an 86-60 win over the Lancers. Jordan Rose scored 14 points while Dwayne Welch added 12 in the win. Andrew DaCosta led Loyalist with 19 points.

Humber vs. La Cite – Jonathan Tyndale scored 19 points to lead Humber to a 75-42 win. Chris Thompson scored 15 while Mackenzie Milmine added 11. Ladi Bushiri led La Cite with 15 points.

Day 2

Redeemer vs. Centennial – Odane Harding scored 27 points while Reseedi McKenley added 22 in an 81-72 victory. Mark Walters and Andrew Blackman added 10 points each in the win. Mike Soluk scored 16 points for Redeemer.

Loyalist vs. La Cite – Jamahl Carter scored 21 points while Andrew DaCosta added 17 as Loyalist defeated La Cite 69-60. Ladi Bushiri led La Cite with 19 points. Emerick Ravier added 12 points in the loss.

John Abbott vs. Humber – Humber held a slim one-point lead at halftime and held on for a 71-68 victory. Jadwey Hemmings scored 16 points while Jonathan Tyndale added 14 in the win. Chrs Thompson, Mackenzie Milmine, and Kerlon Cadougan scored 10 points each in the win. Gerry Moore led John Abbott with 13 points.

Centennial vs. Loyalist – In the consolation championship, Loyalist got a 25-point, 12-rebound performance from Brad Mickle in an 84-71 win. Jamahl Carter added 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists in the win for Loyalist. Andrew DaCosta chiped in with 14 points. Odane Harding scored 23 points and Reseedi McKenley scored 20 in the loss.

Algonquin vs. Humber – Humber used a strong second half to cruise to an 80-55 victory to take te championship game. Humer led by just one point at halftime before outscoring Algonquin 46-22 in the second half. Kerlon Cadougan scored 18 points to lead Humber. Jadwey Hemmings added 12, Chris Thompson added 11, and Mackenzie Milmine and Alex Lukosius added 10 points each for Humber. Ahmed Eman scored 22 points for Algonquin.

*** TOURNAMENT ALL-STARS:

The tournament all-stars, selected by the tournament organizers, include:

Dwayne Welch (John Abbott) Andrew DaCosta (Loyalist) Ahmed Eman (Algonquin) Keville Oliverre (Algonquin) Chris Thompson (Humber)

The tournament most valuable player was Jadwey Hemmings from Humber.