NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
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Algoma Thunderbirds overpowered by Carleton Ravens
SAULT STE. MARIE - The Algoma Thunderbirds continued their double-header weekend at home Saturday night against top OUA East competitor, the Carleton Ravens.
In the men's action, the three consecutive time reigning CIS Champions jumped out to an early lead, 6-0.
The Ravens denied the Thunderbirds any chance to penetrate the paint and get on the boards.
Shooting a dismal 7.6 percent from the field, Algoma trailed 22-6 going into the second.
Only able to score from the charity line, the Ravens continued to apply pressure, widening the gap to 41-14 at half.
The Ravens shot 56.5 percent from the field in the first half and out-rebounded the Thunderbirds 25-8.
In the second half, the Ravens continued their momentum, stifling the Thunderbirds offensively and defensively.
The Ravens overpowered the Thunderbirds 77-43.
Philip Scrubb led the Ravens with 15 points and Clinton Springer-Will chipped in 14.
Jimmy Belinga led the Thunderbirds with 15.
The Ravens improved to 11-0, and remain number one in the CIS and OUA East.
The Ravens continue their pursuit for their record-setting tenth CIS championship title.
Algoma falls to 3-8 in the East.
In the women's action, the Thunderbirds kept the Ravens close in the first quarter by driving the ball to the paint and sinking shots from beyond the arc (two from Sydney Resch and one from Karissa Kajorinne).
Going into the second, the Thunderbirds trailed the OUA East leader by only one point, 16-15.
The momentum continued into the second, as the women aggressively penetrated the Ravens' offensive zone, and out-rebounded Ottawa defensively 14-11.
The women opened the third with a three-point deficit, within reach of last year's OUA East Champions.
Carleton increased their intensity in the second half, and out-rebounded Algoma 35-22, allowing them to secure an 11 point edge.
The fourth quarter collapsed for the Thunderbirds, as the Ravens continued to physically dominate plays, and stop any attack inside the perimeter.
Carleton notched their second consecutive win of 2014, running past Algoma, 70-51.
Raven Elizabeth Roach led both teams with 20 points, followed by Natasha Plaskacz with 17.
Thunderbird Sydney Resch had a season high of 18, breaking last night's record of 17.
Algoma shot 83.3 percent from the free-throw line and 33.3 percent from the field.
The Ravens remain at the top of the boards in the East at 8-3, while Algoma falls to 0-11.
"We couldn't keep up the defence in the second half, and Carleton hit some early threes that put us out of reach," said Head Coach Ryan Vetrie. "If we keep up the same momentum and intensity in practice this week we should keep seeing these same great results for our Laurentian game next week."
Algoma basketball returns to the GLC on Wednesday, January 15 as the Thunderbirds look for redemption against the Laurentian Voyageurs in their second meeting of the season.
The women tip-off at 6 p.m. followed by the men at 8 p.m.
About Algoma University
Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in Psychology, Social Work, Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic and Social Development, and Biology in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, Timmins and St. Thomas.
As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.
Algoma University has launched its Essential Elements Campaign to expand its campus and offer more scholarships and awards to students.
To learn more, visit www.algomau.ca.
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